Torch-carrying (ritual)
Ritual information | |
---|---|
Time | First Ten Days of Muharram |
Place | Public places and around holy places |
Geographical Extent | Iran and Iraq |
Types | This ceremony is held in two ways, Najafi and Karbalayi |
Torch-carrying or Mashʿalgardānī (Persian: مَشعَلگردانی, literally: carrying the torches) is a mourning ritual of the month of Muharram in Iran and Iraq. The ritual is usually practiced on the First Ten Days of Muharram in Iraq as well as central and southern parts of Iran. In this ritual, fireboxes are moved around streets, squares, and holy places.
History
There is no precise information about how old the ritual of mash'algardani is.[1] Some people trace it back to about 500 years ago.[2] In some historical periods, including the period of Reza Shah Pahlavi, mash'algardani was forbidden.[3] In some regions, the ritual is referred to differently. For example, in Ardakan near Yazd, it is referred to as "Taklīf" (تکلیف, literally: obligation).[4]
The Procedure
The ritual of mash'algardani is practiced differently in different areas. In Najaf, a structure is made up of small wooden or metal fireboxes which are called "Masha'il" (torches). During mourning ceremonies, the fireboxes are lighted and the torches are carried in public places, the main squares of the city, and the courtyards of holy sites. Since the torches are very heavy, it takes a considerable physical power to carry them. The torches are different in size and shape.[5]
In some areas, such as Karbala and Ardakan, In Iran, separate torches and fireboxes with long handles (like 'Alam) are carried, instead of a structure made up of many torches. The torches are carried in public passages by mourners, and in some areas, only by Sadat, who recite particular poems. Mash'algardani is usually practiced together with drumming and playing cymbals.[6]
Geographical Span
The ritual is practiced in some cities of Iran and Iraq. In Iraq, mash'algardani is usually practiced in Najaf, Kadhimiya, and Karbala.[7] In Iran, mash'algardani is usually practiced in central and southern areas, and cities such as Qom, Rey and Ardakan. It is mostly practiced by Iranian Arabs.[8]
Time
In different areas, mash'algardani is held on different days of the First Ten Days of Muharram.[9] The ceremony is usually practiced on the eve of 'Ashura. People of Najaf hold it on Muharram 8, Muharram 9, and Muharram 10. In some areas, such as Ardakan (near Yazd), mash'algardani is practiced on Muharram 1 as an announcement of the beginning of Muharram and an invitation of people to mourn Imam al-Husayn (a). In some other areas, mash'algardani is practiced from the eve of Tasu'a until the morning of 'Ashura.[10] And in others, the ceremony is also practiced in Sham-i Ghariban (Evening of the Strangers).[11]
Notes
- ↑ Maẓāhirī, Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī, p. 450.
- ↑ Ten 'Ashura traditions from ten corners of Iran (Persian).
- ↑ Ten 'Ashura traditions from ten corners of Iran (Persian).
- ↑ Maẓāhirī, Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī, p. 450.
- ↑ Maẓāhirī, Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī, p. 450.
- ↑ Maẓāhirī, Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī, p. 450, 451.
- ↑ Maẓāhirī, Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī, p. 451.
- ↑ Ten 'Ashura traditions from ten corners of Iran (Persian).
- ↑ Ten 'Ashura traditions from ten corners of Iran (Persian)
- ↑ Riḍāyī, ʿAzādārī-yi Imām Ḥusayn dar jahān, p. 69.
- ↑ Maẓāhirī, Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī, p. 450.
References
- Riḍāyī, Ṣāfīyya. ʿAzādārī-yi Imām Ḥusayn dar jahān. Qom: Intishārāt-i Sibṭ al-Nabī, 1388 Sh.
- Maẓāhirī, Muḥsin Ḥisām. Farhang-i sūg-i Shīʿī. Tehran: Khayma, 1395 Sh.
- ده سنت عاشورایی از ده گوشه ایران (Ten 'Ashura traditions from ten corners of Iran (Persian)). Accessed: 2023/09/02.
- مراسم مشعل گردانی نجفی های مقیم قم (The torch-carrying ceremony of Najafis living in Qom (Persian)). Accessed: 2023/09/02.