Chaharshanbe Suri

Chaharshanbe Suri: An Ancient Iranian Festival and Symbol of Purification and Joy

Chaharshanbe Suri is one of the oldest Iranian festivals, deeply rooted in the history and culture of this land. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, providing an opportunity for gathering, celebration, and the creation of positive energy as the New Year approaches. Chaharshanbe Suri begins at sunset on the last Tuesday of the month of Esfand and continues until midnight on Wednesday. This ancient ritual, which dates back thousands of years, combines fire, music, joy, and ancient customs that are celebrated throughout Iran.

Historical Roots of Chaharshanbe Suri

This festival is inspired by Zoroastrian traditions and represents respect for fire, one of the sacred elements in ancient Iran. In the past, the ceremony was held as a symbol of purification and the removal of evil forces. Some researchers believe that Chaharshanbe Suri is a continuation of the Sadeh festival, which took place in Bahman month and symbolized the triumph of light over darkness.

Rituals of Chaharshanbe Suri

Jumping Over Fire

One of the most important rituals of Chaharshanbe Suri is lighting fires and jumping over them. As people jump over the fire, they say the famous phrase "Zardi man az to, surkhi to az man," which carries a symbolic meaning:

✅ "Zardi man az to" (My yellowness is from you) refers to the yellow color, which is a symbol of illness, weakness, and sorrow. In the past, the yellowish complexion of sick individuals represented a loss of energy and health. This phrase means the person wants to cast away their illnesses and fatigue by throwing them into the fire to burn them.

✅ "Surkhi to az man" (Your redness is from me) refers to the redness, which symbolizes vitality, health, and strength. This phrase signifies receiving energy and freshness from the fire so that the individual can start the New Year with hope and positive energy.

🔥 This ritual serves as a spiritual and physical cleansing from evil and a preparation for the New Year.

Ghashogh Zani: A Ritual for Blessing and Unity

Ghashogh Zani is a traditional ritual of Chaharshanbe Suri, symbolizing the quest for blessings, charity, and unity. In this practice, especially children and teenagers cover their faces, hit a spoon against a metal bowl, and receive sweets, nuts, or small gifts from neighbors.

🔹 Participants wear different clothes and cover their faces. They knock on a metal bowl with a spoon to alert the homeowner of their presence. The homeowner, aware of the good intentions behind this ritual, gives them nuts, sweets, or money, and the participants silently receive the gifts and move on to the next house.

🔹 The origins and philosophy of Ghashogh Zani are rooted in ancient Iranian beliefs, where it was believed that good spirits would collect charity on special nights from people and in return, bring blessings and happiness to the homeowners. The goal is to strengthen the spirit of kindness and charity.

 ✨ Nowadays, some people replace Ghashogh Zani by visiting elderly homes and giving gifts to those in need, recreating the original meaning of the ritual.

Koozeh Shekni: A Symbol of Driving Away Evil and Bad Luck

In this ritual, families break old and broken clay pots from the roofs or courtyards, believing that by doing so, they expel all the evils, misfortunes, and negative energy of the past year from their homes and lives.

🔹 The beliefs associated with this ritual: Some people would place coins, salt, and charcoal inside the pot, each holding its own meaning:

 Salt: To ward off the evil eye and negative energy.

Charcoal: A symbol of the bad things from the past year.

Coin: A symbol of blessings and abundance, which would return to the house when the pot was broken.

 🔥 This ritual is still practiced in some regions of Iran and is based on the philosophy of purification and preparation for the New Year.

Ajil Moshkel Gosha: A Symbol of Blessing and Solving Problems

Ajil Moshkel Gosha (Problem-Solving Nuts) is an important food item during Chaharshanbe Suri, symbolizing happiness, blessings, and the resolution of problems. On this night, people consume a mixture of sweet and salty nuts, believing that eating them will help overcome troubles and increase blessings in the New Year.

🔹 Contents of Ajil Moshkel Gosha:

Pistachios: A symbol of joy and happiness. Almonds: A sign of strength and endurance.

Walnuts: A symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

 Hazelnuts: Representing growth and success.

Raisins and dried mulberries: A symbol of the sweetness of life.

Chickpeas and seeds: Representing simplicity and blessings.

🔹 The origin and philosophy of this ritual: In the past, people believed that foods influence positive and negative energies. The combination of sweet and salty flavors in this mix symbolizes the bitterness and sweetness of life and the balance between them.

 ✨ This tradition remains alive in many Iranian families, and some people make wishes and silently pray as they eat the nuts.

Fal Goshi: A Ritual for Divining the Future

Fal Goshi is an ancient ritual of Chaharshanbe Suri, performed in the past for predicting the future and receiving omens about fate. In this practice, individuals with a wish in their hearts stand behind doors or walls and listen to the conversations of passersby or household members. They then interpret the first sentence they hear as a sign of their fate.

🔹 The person makes a wish and listens quietly. The first words they hear are interpreted as a sign of their fate. If the words are positive, they consider it an indication that their wish will come true.

 ✨ Although this practice is now less common, it still symbolizes hope and the prediction of good fortune in Iranian culture.

Conclusion

Chaharshanbe Suri is more than just a festival of fireworks. This ancient Iranian tradition symbolizes purification, embracing change, hope, and the renewal of body and soul. These customs, deeply rooted in Iranian culture and beliefs, continue to be preserved as an essential part of national identity. 🔥✨