* Astronomy

Chaharshanbeh-Suri is an ancient Iranian festival dating back at least to 1700 BC or the early Zoroastian era. The "festival of fire" is a prelude to the ancient "Nowruz" festivities, which mark the arrival of spring and revival of nature. Nowruz, or New Year's Day in the Iranian calendar, falls on March 21 this year.
On the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, literally the eve of Red Wednesday or the eve of celebration, bonfires are lit in public places. The underlying notion is that with the help of fire and light, enlightenment and happiness are hoped for throughout the coming year. People leap over the flames, chanting:
Give me your beautiful red colour
and take back my sickly pallor!

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