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مراسم چهارشنبه سوری - ریچموندهیل Iranian Fire Festival Richmond Hill
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| زمان |
ساعت |
| 2015-03-17 - 2015-03-17 |
5:30 pm to 11 pm |
| مکان |
Richmond Green 1300 Elgin Mills Road East,
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اطلاعات بیشتر
On the last Tuesday evening of the year, literally the night before Red Wednesday, Iranians gather to celebrate Chahar Shanbeh Suri. Bonfires are lit in public places--with the help of fire, symbol of light, we hope to see our way through the long nights of winter and welcome the arrival of the long days of spring.
The ancient Iranians celebrated the last 5 days of the year, believing guardian angels for humans, plus the spirits of the dead would come back for a reunion. These spirits were entertained as honored guests in their old homes, and were bidden a formal ritual farewell at the dawn of the New Year. The 5 day festival also coincided with festivals celebrating the creation of fire and humans.
Spring housecleaning was carried out and bonfires were set up on the rooftops to welcome the return of the departed souls. The festivities started early Tuesday evening. Children and fun seeking adults, wrap themselves in shrouds symbolically reenacting the visits by the departed spirits. Small clay figurines in shape of humans and animals symbolizing all departed relatives and animals were also placed on the rooftops. Zoroastrians today still follow this tradition. Flames were burnt all night to ensure the returning spirits were protected from the forces of Ahriman. This was called Suri festival. There were joyful gatherings, with prayers, feasts and ritually blessed food. Rich and poor met together and the occasion was a time of general goodwill when quarrels were forgotten and friendships renewed.
This festival was not celebrated on this night and in this manner before Islam. Contrary to Zoroastrian cosmology where all days were sacred and named after a major deity, Wednesday in Islamic tradition represents a bad omen day with unpleasant consequences. By combining different rituals Iranians were able to preserve their ancient tradition.
Iranians today still carry out the spring-cleaning and set up bonfires on Tuesday night, often accompanied by fire works. Young and old will leap over the fires with songs and celebration, while shouting 'sorkhie tu az man, zardieh man az tu'. 'Your fiery red color is mine and my sickly yellow paleness is yours'. This is a purification rite and 'suri' itself means red and fiery. There is no religious significance attached to it anymore and is a purely secular festival for all Iranians.
They run through the streets banging on pots and pans with spoons (Gashog-Zani) to beat out the last unlucky Wednesday of the year. They will knock on doors while covered and in disguise and ask for treats. It is believed that wishes will come true on this night, reminiscent of ancient traditions. Noodle soup called 'Ash e Chahar Shanbeh is served and everyone, even strangers passing by will be served nuts and dried fruits. This treat is called 'Ajeel e Chahar Shanbeh Suri' and is a mixture of seven dried nuts and fruits, pistachios, roasted chick peas, almond, hazelnuts, figs, apricots, and raisins Another old and almost obsolete ritual is Falgoosh (fortune hearing) This ritual was carried out usually by young women wanting to know their chances of finding the "Mr. Right" in the coming year.
The night will end with more fireworks, music, dancing and feasts where family and friends usher out the old year, making way for the new.
Happy Chahar Shanbeh Suri, and may your wishes come true.
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