Chahar Shanbeh Souri-چهار شنبه سوری

One of the most ancient Persian festivals of the year, Chahar Shanbeh Souri, marks the beginning of New Year holidays in Iran. Based on a scared Zoroastrian tradition, Persians gather outside their homes, on the last Tuesday night of the year, just before the Vernal Equinox in March. Bonfires are set up; people, young and old, try to jump over the fire as a symbol of throwing away illness, misfortune, tragedy, and hateful thought. Fire burns away, and a new spirit of joy, health, happiness, and love prevails. The traditions around this holiday are many, but the most notable is making a fabulous feast of mixed nuts, candy, and gourmet food. Ajil e Chahar Shanbeh Souri is a famous mix of colored candy, roasted almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, died figs, chick peas, and sun flower seeds. Ghashogh Zani, is the Children's tradition of dressing up in costume and going door to door, banging on small pots with their silver spoons, asking for candy. Once they fill their pots with an abundance of sweets, they return to their friends for a late night of sharing goodies. Music and dance have long roots in Persian traditions. Needless to say, Chahar Shanbeh Souri is an occasion to dance around the fire and enjoy festivities. During the long history of Persia, foreign armies from Eastern and Western frontiers have often invaded Iran's land and culture; many tried to replace Iran's ancient traditions with their own. Nevertheless, Persians have always treasured their own identity and stayed true to their own beautiful beliefs. The most popular riddle chanted on Chahar Shanbeh Souri is Zardi e tou, az man; sorkhi e man az tou-saying to the fire that the yellow and decaying old and bad goes to you from me, and your bright life and energy comes to me from you. Humble gratitude shall be given to the genius of Persian historians, writers, poets, story tellers, musicians, dancers, entertainers, and above all grandparents, for giving the younger generation of Iranians an exquisite collection of festivals which will continue to last through centuries. Happy Chahar Shanbeh Souri; may the spirit of good prevail!

An exhibit of dolls and teddy bears

Without a single organized thought or plan, I began to gather dolls to stand for girls and teddy bears to act as boys. A few months passed and I ended up with a heavy pile of silent friends. The exhibit day approached. I sat down and stared at each of the huggable creatures. It was as if they were telling me their stories. The events of life they had once shared with their young owners appeared on them like wrinkles on a face. Surely, they each had marvelous stories to tell. Soon I figured, there was nothing better for an audience of diverse ages than a simple reminder; something they all understood. A touch of childhood playfulness which possessed the gift of giving smiles! It was an idle display for a very good cause. The event was to offer hope for humanity.

Some dolls had very elaborate dresses and some were in humble rags. A few had broken legs and quite a large number of them were victims of neglect or perhaps too much tossing around; they wore the most tangled up hair I had ever seen. I managed not to give in to my initial instinct, to fix them up and smooth their hair. Finally they were left as they were. The bears came in many different sizes and shapes. The bows and ties around their necks were uniquely different but none displayed the same facial expression.

My next plan came quickly afterwards. I collected small furniture, appliances, accessories, story books, picture frames, and all sorts of odd objects. The exhibit space allowed a tiny room for my display of children's story book scenery. Very soon, I managed to have many fictional scenes at sight.

A beautiful blonde doll sitting on a rocking chair was knitting a hat while she cared for two little baby dolls napping in a crib. A mother doll was cooking beside a window overlooking the garden. Next came three bears coming from a day of hard work in the woods and sitting down to eat the meal that a doll in blue dress had prepared for them. Out in the garden were a group of dolls wearing butterfly wings with baskets full of daisies and roses. They were planning to offer the delicate flowers to teddy bears tied down on hospital beds. Somewhere in the middle was a very pretty doll dancing to merry tunes with sparkles on her hair while several teddies played flutes and tambourines. They generously shared the joy of merry tunes with the others. A large train was huffing and puffing round the circle carrying passengers. Several dolls and teddies were on board. Finally, a classroom was set up where a doll teacher was busily engaged in educating the little teddies.

There were many charming little sights in between the displays. Did the exhibit bring smiles? It did and more. Hope for humanity proved to be a worthy cause. Once again in a very busy world filled with bitter realities, the small room offered an escape. An event that many people young at age and young at heart would remember for a while.