The words Chahar Shanber mean Wednesday and Suri means red. On the eve of last Wednesday bonfires are lit in public places which represents a hope toward enightenment and happiness throughout the coming year. Traditionally, it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors are visiting the living on the last day of the year. Many children run through the streets wrapped in shrouds banging on pots and pans with spoons, which is known as Gashog-Zani to beat out the last unlucky Wednesday of the year, while knocking on the door and asking for treats. It is very similar to American Halloween.
In this celebration there are gathering, with prayers, feasts and communal consumption of ritually blessed food.
Spring housecleaning and the dancing and welcoming souls over the bonfire is still carried out by today's Iranians. In Islamic tradition Wednesday represents a bad omen day with unpleasant consequences Therefore, the festival is celebrated on Tuesday night to make sure all bad spirits are chased away and Wednesday will pass happily.
Comments