What will you give to the Fire?

A different kind of Nowruz post

Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash

You may know that the Iranian calendar year is coming to an end as the vernal equinox marks Nowruz, or New Year. With every year that passes, I feel like Nowruz makes a whole lot more sense. Rebirth and such. I consider the New Year in January more of a trial period. I can test out those overly enthusiastic and ambitious New Year’s resolutions for a couple of months and make more realistic adjustments. Besides, it’s too cold and dreary outside to have any real motivation to do anything. It’s still hibernation period.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve thought of Nowruz as my “second chance” to get things right. So if you, by any chance, also need a new beginning, give it a try on Nowruz.

Normally around this time, I would say something about Nowruz and its traditions, but I feel like I’ve done that to death. Besides, this year is different, and there is something else I want to do. But if Nowruz is new for anyone, please do read this post which explains all the pre- and post-Nowruz festivities. And while I have you, if you’d like to wish anyone who celebrates a happy Nowruz, please check out my print-on-demand Nowruz cards on my Etsy shop!

A Châhârshanbe Suri with intention

Châhârshanbe Suri is coming up on Tuesday evening, March 14. This is the Zoroastrian festival in which people jump over bonfires in a symbolic exchange of negativity and sickness for a warm, fiery glow and positive energy. As you jump, you tell the fire:

زردی من از تو / zardiye man az to (take my sickly pallor)

سرخی تو از من / sorkhiye to az man (give me your beautiful, red color)

I was corresponding with a wonderful writer, Alanna Peterson, who over the years has become a friend. Despite the fact that we’ve never actually met, I feel she’s a kindred spirit. (Please check out her food justice-related YA thriller series which features characters of Iranian heritage! :) ) In a recent email exchange, we talked about things on our minds regarding writing and creating, etc. When I mentioned something that was bothering me, she suggested I could “give it to the fire” on Châhârshanbe Suri.

And I loved that.

Any time I’ve jumped over the fire, it’s been for fun. How could it not be fun when you’re surrounded by friends and family and music and the sound of firecrackers? Then there were times I was alone in my apartment jumping over a row of candles because I wanted to uphold tradition.

But this year, thanks to Alanna, I will jump over the fire with intention. I’m making a list of things that no longer serve me or I feel are holding me back… and along with my sickly pallor, I’m giving it all to the fire.

This post is an invitation for you to do the same on Tuesday evening. Give whatever no longer serves you to the fire to make room for a new day.

نوروزتان پیشاپیش مبارک / nowruzetun pishâpish mobârak (Happy New Year in advance)