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Zoroastrianism
Description
Zoroastrianism is an ancient, monotheistic religion of Persia (Iran). It was the dominant religion of the Persian Empire, which flourished in the Middle East from 559 BCE to 651 CE. It was founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster in the ancient Greek pronunciation). It is mainly practised today in India and Iran and, through immigration, has followers in many parts of the world.
Zoroaster is said to have lived about 1200 BCE, though the period is disputed. In any case, his poetic hymnal messages, which he believed to be the inspired Word of God, were written in the language and style of around that time.
Zoroaster’s message has been handed down faithfully, possibly over 3000 years. In this religion, God is known as Ahura Mazda, meaning “wise Lord.” Ahura Mazda is the creator of the world and is the universal force of good. He is opposed by Angrah Mainyu, a destructive spirit and force of all evil. For humanity, life is a constant struggle of choosing between good and evil. The good will be taken to heaven, while those who on balance choose evil will be cast into hell. In the end, good will triumph over evil, humanity will be resurrected, and the evil will be punished, for a time, in hell. Eventually, all will be forgiven their transgressions, purified and reunited with God.
The central symbol of Zoroastrianism is fire, representing the light of God. A fire burns continually in major temples, and one is lit for religious services in other locations. The fire is the focal point of worship activities. It is a common misconception that Zoroastrians worship fire. In fact it is merely a symbol, just as images and icons are symbols in other religions.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
Avesta: the central Scripture of the faith, about 1000 pages long, containing the five hymns of Zoroaster (the Gathas) and the faith’s creed, also attributed to Zoroaster. Kordah Avesta: the book of common prayer of the faith, containing the hymns of Zoroaster. Pahlavi texts: Scriptures of later origin that contain quotations from possibly lost writings of Zoroaster.
Sacraments and Rituals
Navjote: initiation into the faith. Marriage: performed by ordained priests. Death: funerary services performed over four days by ordained priests. Padyab-Kusti: washing exposed parts of the body and untying and retying the sacred cord (kusti) several times a day. Jashan: communal celebration of remembrance. Navar or Maratah: ordination of priests. Nahan: ritual purification bath.
Moral Code
The moral code of Zoroastrianism is universally summed up in the words, “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.” The religion teaches the equality of all, regardless of race, sex or social position. Zoroastrians are urged to preserve and protect the environment, a feature of the religion throughout its history.
Houses of Worship
Zoroastrian houses of worship are known as fire temples. A perpetually burning fire, the Adur Aduran (fire of fires), representing the Light of God, has a central place in the temple and is the focal point of worship services. A more sacred fire, the Atash Bahram (fire of victory), burns only in the most revered sites of Zoroastrianism. Currently, there are 10 Atash Bahram temples: 2 in Iran and 8 in India. These temples may be considered comparable in religious importance to Christian cathedrals. A third-grade consecrated fire, Dadgah, may burn in temporary places of worship or in homes.
Devotional Practices and Services
Clergy, Organization and Government
There is no central Church organization. Zoroastrians are connected through their faith communities, centred on local temples, and through regional and national associations. Priests are ordained from four hereditary families of priests. High priests are associated with major fire temples.
Propagation of the Faith
Major Celebrations and Observances
There are three main calendars in use by Zoroastrians. Festival dates vary depending on the calendar in use by a faith community. The festivals below are listed according to the Fasli calendar, which closely approximates the Gregorian calendar.
Days of Regular Observance
Hamaspathmaidyem (Feast of All Souls): 16–20 March. Noruz (New Year’s Day): 21 March. Tiragen (feast to enhance the harvest): 1 July. Mirhagen (celebration of love and gratitude for life): 1 October. Sadah (deeply religious festival): 11 December.
Special Observances
Dress Requirements
Zoroastrians wear a white undershirt (sudeh) and a woolen cord (kusti) around the waist after initiation. The kusti is removed and used in a ritual prayer ceremony several times a day, preceded by washing of hands and face in purification. It is the custom to keep the head covered at all times in the temple. There are no other dress codes.
Dietary Requirements
Medical and Health Requirements
Death and Burial
When a Zoroastrian is near death, family members request the attendance of priests to pray for his or her repentance and give the patient holy water to drink, symbolic of immortality of the soul. After death, the body is washed and dressed in clean white clothes. The body may be placed on a clean white sheet on the floor, while priests and family say prayers. After this, the body is said to be impure (because of decomposition) and is not touched again by the family. It is given to the undertakers for cremation.
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.avesta.org — Avesta–Zoroastrian archives; complete resources on the Zoroastrian faith.
http://www.zso.org — official website of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario.
The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario
3590 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON N2M 3S6
Phone: (416) 733-4586
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