The spirit of Chaharshanbe Suri

If you’re imagining a quiet evening at home, think again. As the Persian New Year edged into our lockdown lives, we went full-on for Chaharshanbe Suri. For those who don’t know, Chaharshanbe Suri is a Persian festival celebrated on the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It’s a night of fire, family, and tradition, designed to let go of the old year and welcome the new. Think of it as Bonfire Night with centuries of history.

For me, it’s about keeping H’s traditions intact and sharing them with our family. For Cyrus, it’s pure spectacle: sparks, flames, and the thrill of taking part in something older and bigger than himself. Watching him take it all in reminds me how important it is to hold on to culture.

Turning the back garden into a festival

With lockdown and no city celebrations, our back garden became the stage. H stacked the wood carefully, crafting three small bonfires that crackled and smoked, the scent of burning wood curling into the chilly evening air. Cyrus was fascinated as he watched the flames flicker which was unforgettable.

“Even his tentative little hops over the tiny flames carried weight – courage and excitement distilled into a single gesture.”

Ghashogh Zani

Another key part of the night is Ghashogh Zani. In this tradition, children annoy the neighbours by tapping spoons against bowls to collect treats, usually a mix of nuts, dried fruits, and sweets called ajil.

Cyrus approached it with concentration and excitement. Each tap of the spoon echoed down the street, a small but tangible way of participating in a centuries-old ritual. For families new to Persian culture, it’s a playful, community-focused tradition that encourages sharing, generosity, and a sense of belonging. Watching him engage reminded me how much these rituals anchor a family across generations, teaching values while creating joy.

Fire, food, and midlife lessons

After the fire-jumping and spoon-tapping, we gather around the table. Âsh-e Chaharshanbe Suri, a rich and aromatic noodle soup, simmers on the stove, warming both kitchen and spirit. Ajil-e Chaharshanbe Suri is spread across the table, a mix of sweet, salty, and nutty morsels that disappear in seconds.

Midlife teaches you to savour these moments, not the curated Instagram kind, but lived-in, real-life moments: the faint smell of smoke in your hair, and the quiet satisfaction of passing something meaningful on to the next generation.

Symbolism of fire

Fire is central to Chaharshanbe Suri. Historically, Persians believed it purified and transformed, burning away the old year’s worries and making space for renewal. Even Siavash, a hero in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, walked through flames to prove his innocence. Our backyard fire is less epic, but it carries the same symbolism. Every jump, every flicker of the flames, is a gesture of letting go: of mistakes, regrets, and tensions, even for a short time.

“To jump over a fire is to physically enact a release, a reminder that hope and possibility are still within reach.”

Community, connection, and belonging

Chaharshanbe Suri is about more than fire. It’s about connection. Neighbours open doors, children’s laughter echoes through the streets, and for a moment, everyone becomes part of the same thing. Giving and receiving treats is kindness, a gentle reminder that generosity and community matter, particularly as we move through midlife, when routines can feel isolating and friendships are fewer but more precious.

Traditions worth holding

• Ajil-e Chaharshanbe Suri: dried fruits, nuts, and sweets that delight the senses
• Âsh-e Chaharshanbe Suri: a hearty noodle soup that warms body and soul
• Jumping over the fire: a symbolic act of purification and renewal
• Ghashogh Zani: participation, connection, and celebration within the community

These are not just quaint customs. They are threads linking us to centuries of history. They remind us that family, laughter, and shared experience endure, even as bodies and priorities shift with age. Fire, food, and participation are the pulse of the evening, leaving traces in memory that outlast the fleeting excitement of a holiday.

Reflection

Chaharshanbe Suri has become more than a festival in our home. It is a marker of life in midlife, teaching, witnessing curiosity, and the quiet reassurance that culture, ritual, and meaning persist, no matter how busy life gets. Fire, food, and community combine to form something lasting.

Join the conversation

What traditions anchor your family life? Do you have rituals that connect generations, or recipes passed down that make your home feel alive? Share your stories in the comments.