Fire Jumping for Persian New Year

My husband is the expert on the traditions he grew up with in Iran. Persian new year is a big deal - like our Christmas. Persian new year is coming up this month. But before the new year there is the fire jumping tradition. It is always the Wednesday before the main event that actually lasts two weeks, and is also the last Wednesday of the year. When our grandson was small and we all lived in Capitol Hill, our son would set up the little bonfire and all the kids would safely jump over the flame. We also went to one of the teacher’s homes one year, and another year someone else had it at their house. All the neighborhood kids and classmates would join in. It was another way to share traditions with everyone. So when we moved to northern Virginia three years ago we put our tiny ethanol fueled stainless steel fireplace on the patio. We don’t use it anymore. But we have a small can of wax that can be placed on the metal grill that serves as our “bonfire.” So last night we did the same as last year and lit the fire for a few minutes - just to have a sense of the holiday. I’m too lazy to read about the detail of the night, but it’s fun to celebrate. 

Sackler Celebrates Nowruz

We have visited the Sackler Gallery many times, but always try to go for the Persian New Year celebration. As it was a beautiful day for a walk, we headed out to the Mall along Independence Avenue. At the entrance was a tiny little fire where you are supposed to jump over it. We didn't, but the kids did. Once inside, there was a huge haft sin on display. We went down the steps into an exhibit of 1000 archived photos from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A lady sat down beside us and asked where we were from, as a set up to tell us she was from Tehran. If you ever ask an Iranian where he/she is from, it's always Tehran. My husband is from Rasht, and very proud of it! Alongside that were kids coloring. One floor down was another fire jump and a room filled with all kinds of folks making colorful masks and crowns. The face painting line was long, but the line for Moby Dick kabobs and Persian food was even longer. We did stop to see the Falnama, and made a wish as we opened the book, and visited the ancient delights. Those pieces reminded me of the many places we stopped while we were in Iran not so long ago visiting every corner of the country. These are some beautiful traditions that everyone there seemed to be enjoying.  What a great place to see them. I can see my husband loves it, even if he doesn't say so out loud.