Celebrating an Ancient Zoroastrian Holiday in America

March 16, 2005

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38244-2005Mar15.html

On March 16, 2005 The Washington Post reported, "at first glance, it looked as if techno-pop arsonists had taken over the University of Maryland's Shady Grove campus. A pounding bass beat rocked the parking lot, and the scent of cologne mingled with smoke as people in dark coats fanned a row of fires on the asphalt. 'Go on, jump!' a mother urged as her small sons stared, wide-eyed, at a pyre of burning wood and cardboard. A man lifted a little girl over the flames, and she squealed with delight. Dark-haired teenagers in tight jeans milled around as grandmothers in headscarves warmed their hands over the fires, hardly moving aside as families clasped hands to run down the line and leap the flames... Across the United States last night, Iranians emerged from their homes to celebrate Chahar Shanbeh Souri, an ancient Zoroastrian holiday that has been part of their culture for centuries. In Iran, city streets blaze for one night during the last week of winter as Iranians of all religious persuasions jump over fires."