Iranian Fire Festival

Today's Guardian (Iran blog) carries an interesting article about this month's end of year festival for Iranians or Chaharshanbe Suri. The last day of the Iranian year is known as RED WEDNESDAY.  This is marked by special customs and rituals, most notably jumping over fire. Bonfires are lit in public places and the people wish for enlightenment and happiness throughout the coming year. People leap over the flames, shouting:

Sorkhi-ye to az man; Zardi-ye man az to

Give me your beautiful red colour; And take back my sickly pallor

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/iran-blog/2012/mar/08/iran-crackdown-protests-fire-festival