Like other Iranians around the world, Charshanbe-Suri, the Festival of Fire was celebrated amongst thousands of Iranians at Vancouver Ambleside Park on March 16, 2010.
Charshanbe-Suri, the Festival of Fire, is an ancient Iranian festival dating back to 1700 BCE of the early Zoroastrian era. The festival is a prelude to the ancient Norouz Festival, which is celebrated every last Tuesday night of the solar calendar, marking the arrival of spring and the revival of nature.
The most significant event that has made this festival so special is the tradition of “making bonfires and jumping over them” while singing the song “zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man,” which, literally translated, means, “my sickly yellow paleness is yours, your fiery red color is mine.” The saying emphasizes on the idea that the fire will take your paleness, sickness, and problems and in turn give you redness, warmth, and energy.
The event started with music, dance and Persian food. Last year approximately 20,000 people came out to enjoy the music, food and entertainment. Some even made the leap over the bonfire’s flames.
There is no religious significance attached to Chaharshanbeh Soori. It’s moreso a cultural festival for Persians, Persian Jews, Muslims, Baha’is, Armenians, Kurds, Turks and Zoroastrians alike. Indeed this celebration, in particular the significant role of fire, is likely to hail from.
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