For Iranians, Chaharshanbe Suri is something you step into. Fire in the streets, the brief hesitation before the jump, then “zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man”. It is a simple exchange. You give the fire what you do not want to carry, and take back a sense of warmth before Nowruz.
St Patrick’s Day is rooted in a different kind of act. Saint Patrick driving out snakes is not taken literally, but understood as pushing back what was seen as darkness, through conviction, faith, and a new way of seeing the world.
They unfold differently, but both carry the same idea. Darkness is not kept or tolerated. It is set aside, either by stepping through fire or by confronting it with belief and clarity.
Happy Chaharshanbe Suri and Happy St Patrick’s Day!
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