March 19, 2009

Iranians to welcome new year with fireworks

Celebrations of the new year, which will begin on March 20, will start with fireworks, jumping over fire, and reciting traditional Persian poems and psalms.

The celebration of the occasion goes back to an old Persian belief, as the fire was considered special in the Zoroastrianism philosophy that was followed in Persia before Islam.

Some Iranians still believe that jumping over fire removes concerns, cures illnesses, and gives people health all year.

However, scholars think that such a thing is a myth that contradicts the teachings of Islam. Although Iranian authorities call people to avoid the use of dangerous fireworks during the celebration, every year explosions cause casualties among people.