Iran is clad in black as people mark the martyrdom of Imam Hossein in a two day national holiday. The Shiites regard the grandson of Prophet Mohammad and their third Imam as the symbol of freedom and courage. The Tasua symbolizes a day when Imam Hossein told his 72 loyal companions that by the next day or the Ashura, they would all be killed in an unequal battle with the huge army of Yazid some 14centuries ago. The Bani Umayyed Caliph was notorious for his oppression against the people. Iranians call him the Martyr of all Martyrs. Imam Hossein, his children and his brother Abbas were beheaded and his companions killed in the battle which took place in the plains of Karbala. He had already declared that he would sacrifice everything in the line of freedom against the tyranny of Yazid. Men and women, young and old remember their martyr by dressing in black and holding various symbolic mourning ceremonies across Iran. Each tribal group such as the Azaris, Arabs, Lors and Persians has its own way of marking the Tasua and Ashura. For hundreds of years the love for Imam Hossein has become an inseparable part of the people's lives in Iran. Some people dedicate their houses and all their possessions to be used for serving the mourners of Imam Hossein in Tasua and Ashura. Giving away free food is also another tradition which is seen across the country during the two days of mourning.To the Iranians Imam Hossein is a school of thought which they feel committed to preserve.They believe that it is through such ceremonies which they can keep his thoughts alive and pass it on to future generations. Show Less >>