Haji Firouz, The “Santa Claus” of Iran

It is so interesting to know the different cultures of the world. Every part of the world has their own unique celebrations and a lot of interesting history to learn. Specially Iran has so much to offer that one can write volumes on this place. Along with its natural beauty it has a rich history also to share....

This is one of such celebrations in Iran which is included in the Nowruz festivities, The Persian New Year.

There are sevral beliefs around this charachter of Haji Firouz, some believe;
Haji Firouz The character represents an African Slave serving their Iranian masters, it also represents the blatant racism.
Whereas some stories say the character is refereed to a Zoroastrian fire keeper, the face and hands are painted black as they represent the soot from the fire.
Some say they represent as Farm laborers who used to cheer up their landlords. This is quite similar to the 1st one.
And one more interesting one says they are associated with the Mesopotamian deity of agriculture. The black face of Haji Firouz represents the return from the world of dead and the red clothes representing their blood.

In today's time they are a part of their New Year Celebrations and all their Cultural festivities, where in they wear a red dress with a black jacket and a cap with their face and hand painted black, with music they would distribute gifts to children and everyone. They have some typical songs in praise of the Lord which they would play.

The charachter in white I guess represents the master, though it's not very clear to me.

As you see the stage is in the center and there are people gathered around it and these Haji Firouz characters are going around entertaining people

This celebrations were happening as a part of their 15th Iranian Theatre Forum Festival in one of their local park. Iran is one beautiful place, everywhere around the country you would see pretty flowers. Iran is full of beautiful flowers. Sharing a few of those pics from the park.

Look at these little beauties and such wonderful colors, truly a feast for the eyes;

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From the heart of the city view of the snow clad mountains all over.

With Love and Angels Blessings 💖💖👼🏻👼🏻🧚‍♀

My other blogs of Interest

My Daily Quiet Time
The 4000 Years Old Cypress Tree
The significance of Surya Namaskar

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