The Surprising Connection Between Halloween & An Ancient Persian Holiday

Halloween is a beloved autumnal holiday observed in numerous countries around the world, and while Halloween traditions may differ from land to land, the end of October and the beginning of November have been significant celebrations for a very long time.

There is a rise of Halloween celebrations (as known by westerners) for Persians in Iran and around the world. And while the celebration as we know it is celebrated in October, there is a even a more direct correlation between Halloween and one of our own beloved holidays.

The tradition of Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. For Persians, this celebration mimics our very own Chahar Shanbeh Soori (or Festival of Fire).

For Iranians around the world, on the eve of last Wednesday of the year, bonfires are lit in public places with the help of fire and light, it is hoped for enlightenment and happiness throughout the coming year. People leap over the flames, shouting:

(Sorkhi-e to az man) Give me your beautiful red color
(Zardi-e man az to) And take back my sickly pallor!

With the help of fire and light symbols of good, Iranians have the intention of seeing their way through what they consider an unlucky night - the end of the year- and hope for the arrival of spring’s longer days. Closely tied to the Celtic variation of Halloween, it is believed that the living were visited by the spirits of their ancestors on the last day of the year. People, especially youths, wrap themselves in shrouds symbolically reenacting the visits. By the light of the bonfire, they run through the streets banging on pots and pans with spoons called Gashog-Zani to beat out the last unlucky Wednesday of the year, while they knock on doors to ask for treats. In order to make wishes come true, it is customary to prepare special foods and distribute them on this night.

It may be shocking to many to learn about the connections between these very old traditions, but indeed, Halloween and Chahar Shanbe Soori are connected in ancient motives. Both holidays capture the imagination of adults and children alike, and maybe send some shivers down their spine! If there’s one thing can be said about the intertwined rituals of these two holidays, it is a yearly reminder that communities of people around the world have more in common than they realize.

Happy Halloween, everyone!