Festive fire

Paul Clinton

Iranian revelers dusted off a nearly 2,000-year-old tradition at

Corona del Mar State Beach on Tuesday to ring in the Persian New Year.

They sang. They danced. They jumped through fire.

Akbar Kashani drove from his Mission Viejo home to participate in the

ancient ritual.

“It’s very traditional,” Kashani said. From a time “when people

worshiped fire instead of God.”

Jumping over three bonfires signifies a new beginning for Persians

celebrating Char Shabeh Soorry, the final celebration before Nurooz, or

New Year, on March 20.

“This is the last Tuesday of the Persian year,” said Daryanaz

Mostajabaldaveh, who lives in Irvine. “Everybody gathers and makes a

fire.”

Before the jump, Persians recite a falgoosh, or “good thought,” for

the year ahead, according to those participating in the event. Then they

jump. The yellow part of the flame represents all of the sickness of the

past year. The flame’s redness is health for the year ahead.

The ceremony usually draws large crowds, and this year’s version was

no exception. As the sun dropped into the horizon, the festive crowds

began to gather on the sand. More than 1,000 had gathered in Corona del

Mar by 7:30 p.m.

As the beach fires burned, groups of Persians hopped arm in arm

through the flames. Others handed each other food and gifts, exchanging

hugs and warm greetings.

As the crowds grew, the bonfires stayed at the heart of the

celebration.

“They say fire is a symbol of life,” said Irvine resident Mary

Mohebbi. “A symbol of activity.”