Hajifirouz, Persian Santa Claus

A Study of The Origin And Evolution Of The Haji Firuz Phenomenon In The History Of Iran
The advent of spring and the return of warm weather to the earth with the end of winter have been considered happy and auspicious events among different peoples and nations of the world and therefore been an occasion for various celebrations and festivities. In Iran, one of the manifestations of the springtide festivities was the Atash Afruz o Haji Firuz (The Fire Starter and Haji Firuz) street spectacle -a ceremony that was a harbinger of spring and Nowruz (the Iranian New Year).

In these folk plays, one character (Haji Firuz) in colorful attire (usually red) and a blackened face would make a lively and humorous spectacle with song and dance and simple poetry. Today this custom is not as widespread as it used to be in the past but one can still see Haji Firuz on street corners or parks in the few days before Nowruz. In this article, we intend to study the folk character Haji Firuz, the history of the origins of the Haji Firuz street spectacle, and the various theories about Haji Firuz and his roots.
The beginning of spring and warning of the Earth and the learning of winter was significant event among all of the tribes and nations. And it causes to hold many feasts. In Iran, the different feast was held such as arsonists or Haji Firouz who was responsible for announcing the arrival of spring and Norouz (New Day). To do this, one person wears colorful clothes that are often red and makes his face black and then begins to perform the funny dance and recite the poem, Nowadays, this role is visible in different cities but it is not very widespread.
But who is Haji Firouz?

What is Haji Firouz's play?

What is the black color of his face?

Meantime, there are many different theories about it, but none of them is proven. Some of them say Haji Firouz is a slave who performs to make his master happy, some of the other groups believe he is a God who is killed every year and is revived and some of them think that he was a devil (Ahriman) who was defeated by Ahuramazda and became his slave. Not only in Iran but also in European countries, Haji Firouz presents Santa Claus during New Year's Day.
Haji Firouz is the messenger of spring, victory of warmness over coldness and light over darkness.