Around the world, people raced to jump over pits of fire March 17 in celebration of an ancient Persian tradition.
“In Iran we call it Shabeh Chaharshambeh Soori,” explained Akbar Manoussi.
In English, it means the Eve of Red Wednesday.
Manoussi is a graduate of Tehran University and a former instructor at Carleton’s Sprott School of Business. He said the event takes place to mark the last Wednesday before the Iranian New Year on March 20. The tradition of jumping over the flames is based on the Zoroastrian belief that fire purifies the soul.
This and other events were held in the city and on campus last week to mark the Iranian new year, currently 1389.
The New Year took place March 20 at 1:32 p.m. In the Iranian language, the celebration is called Noruz, or New Day.
The Iranian Student Association of Carleton University hosted Noruz Gathering at Rooster’s Coffee House March 19 at 7 p.m. A trio played traditional Persian music using vocals, a sitar and a tonbak. Guests ate Persian sweets and ash reshteh, a type of noodle soup.
ON March 20, the Iranian Student Association of the University of Ottawa held its Noruz Dinner Ceremony at Jazzy Restaurant. Mean-while, Carleton’s Iranian Culture’s Association hosted an event with two speakers from Iran.
“It’s an event that unites people of different ethnicities because it’s not only for Iranians,” Manoussi said.
He explained the New Year is celebrated in other countries that were once part of the Persian Empire, such as Afghanistan and Armenia.
Manoussi said Noruz is important because it marks the first day of spring.
“After a very tiring, boring winter, we open our eyes to the beautiful earth, animals, flowers, trees and greenery,” he said. “That in itself needs a celebration, and I think that’s why the Persians celebrate it, because of the goodness of the season.”
“I’ll keep my tradition forever. I don't want to lose it, especially this one,” said Karimian about celebrating Noruz. “It comes from my childhood, and brings back all the good memories.”
Celebrations continue 13 days after Noruz on Sizdah Bedar. On this day, it is considered bad luck to stay indoors, so it is customary for Persians to leave their homes and spend the day outdoors with their families.