Roots in Zoroastrian Folklore
Chaharshanbe Suri has roots in Zoroastrianism, in which the belief is that the ancient god of Wisdom battled evil for over 12,000 years, and created the world in seven stages, with the last being the sun and fire. The fire symbolizes purity, a sacred symbol to Zoroastrians. Today, Iranians celebrate this tradition to bring hope, health, and purity to the new year. The symbolism of the fire is the most important aspect of this ritual, and is held very dearly to those practicing.
"My Yellow to You, Your Red to Me"
This is the poetic line that Iranians sing as they jump over bonfires during Chaharshanbeh Suri. This means "my weakness to you and your strength to me." They direct this line to the fire that they jump over, asking the fire to take away the ill-health and problems, and replace them with warmth, health, and energy. During a time of hardship in modern Iran, this ceremony can be a way to bring the feeling of community and strength back to the people.