Hāji Piruz or Hajji Firuz, popularly (Persian: حاجی پیروز ) in the
Language of literature and satire Haji or Hajji also (Persian: هاجى a satire maker) is the traditional herald of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
He oversees celebrations for the New Year perhaps as a remnant of the ancient Zoroastrian fire-keeper. His face is covered in soot and he is clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat.
Haji Firooz sings and dances through the streets with tambourines and trumpets for a few coins, spreading good cheer and the news of the coming New Year.
Hāji Firuz is believed to be based in a tradition called "Mir-Norowzi". Mir-Norowz was a comical figure chosen to rule the municipality for the last five days of the year (Panjeh).
The temporary five-day king (Hakem Panj Ruzeh) would often parade the city with a group of singers and dancers for the Norowz Celebrations.
Some other people believe that the appearance of Hāji Firuz is related to creating a happy atmosphere in the families.
The New Year's Day must begin with joy, happiness and laughter so that during the rest of the year the families will continue
...see more to be happy.
in addition fire holds an important role in Zoroastrianism.
It appears that Haji Firuz represents the red-dressed fire keepers of the Zoroastrians, who at the last Tuesday of the year, was sent by the white-dressed moghsor priests to spread the news about the arrival of the Nowruz.
The fire-keeper's second duty was to call on the people to burn their old items in the fire, and to renew their life and regain health by obtaining the solved energy of the fire.
The dark color of the fire-keeper's face is allegedly caused by the heat of the holy fire.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org
