RITUALS
Navjote
The coming of age ritual between the ages of 7-12. The person being celebrated receives a sudreh (undergarment) and a kutsi (string) which they wear their whole lives.
Purification
There are three tupes of purification rituals. The first is padyab, which is ablution, or washing of one's body/body part. The second type is nahn, which is a bath. The third purification is bareshnum, which is "a complicated ritual performed at special places with the participation of a dog (whose left ear is touched by the candidate and whose gaze puts the evil spirits to flight) and lasting several days." (Facts)
FUN FACT- before the sacred fire and reading of the Avesta, there is a sacrifice of the sacred liquor, haoma, which also includes offerings of bread and milk.
Navjote
The coming of age ritual between the ages of 7-12. The person being celebrated receives a sudreh (undergarment) and a kutsi (string) which they wear their whole lives.
Purification
There are three tupes of purification rituals. The first is padyab, which is ablution, or washing of one's body/body part. The second type is nahn, which is a bath. The third purification is bareshnum, which is "a complicated ritual performed at special places with the participation of a dog (whose left ear is touched by the candidate and whose gaze puts the evil spirits to flight) and lasting several days." (Facts)
FUN FACT- before the sacred fire and reading of the Avesta, there is a sacrifice of the sacred liquor, haoma, which also includes offerings of bread and milk.
Death
When a member of the Zoroastrian religion dies, there is a three day period of mourning for the family. After this, the body is taken to the dakhma, or the Tower of Silence. It is a round structure that is open at the top, with high walls. This is where the body of the deceased is placed, there are 3 different circles, one for men, women, and children. Different elements of nature assist the disposal of the body. When it is just bones, those are taken and put into the well in the middle of the dakhma. Both rich and poor are placed in, because everyone is equal. In modern day, Zoroastrians do whatever the social norm is, so it can be either buried or cremated, even though this is frowned upon by the religion.
Weddings
The first thing that happens at the wedding is that the bride, groom, and their parents sign the marriage contract. Then the service begins. The married relatives hold white scarves over the couples heads. While this is happening, two crystallized sugar cones are rubbed together to "sweeten the couples life together". The two scarves are then sewn together to symbolize the uniting of the couple. During the ceremony, a cord is tied around the bride and grooms hands. FUN FACT- the celebrations normally last 3-7 days
When a member of the Zoroastrian religion dies, there is a three day period of mourning for the family. After this, the body is taken to the dakhma, or the Tower of Silence. It is a round structure that is open at the top, with high walls. This is where the body of the deceased is placed, there are 3 different circles, one for men, women, and children. Different elements of nature assist the disposal of the body. When it is just bones, those are taken and put into the well in the middle of the dakhma. Both rich and poor are placed in, because everyone is equal. In modern day, Zoroastrians do whatever the social norm is, so it can be either buried or cremated, even though this is frowned upon by the religion.
Weddings
The first thing that happens at the wedding is that the bride, groom, and their parents sign the marriage contract. Then the service begins. The married relatives hold white scarves over the couples heads. While this is happening, two crystallized sugar cones are rubbed together to "sweeten the couples life together". The two scarves are then sewn together to symbolize the uniting of the couple. During the ceremony, a cord is tied around the bride and grooms hands. FUN FACT- the celebrations normally last 3-7 days
SYMBOLS
Fire
The main symbol in Zoroastrianism is the sacred fire. It must be on continually, and needs to be fed at least 5 times a day, along with 5 prayers a day. It stays in a place called the fire temple. Zoroastrians believe that fire purifies and also represents the presence of Ahura Mazda.
The Faravahar
It is the most common symbol in the Zoroastrian religion. It can be written and pronounced in many different ways. It reminds people of their purpose in life and reminds adherents to live in the ways of Ahura Mazda. "The imagery of a disc with wings likely originated as a sun with wings. Later, a human torso was added to the symbol. The archer in a feathered robe represents Ashur, an Assryian god. Over time the image became a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. Presently, the symbol is often used to depict a guardian angel." (Facts).
FUN FACT- there are 6 seasonal festivals called the Gahanabars. Also, each day of the month is dedicated to a certain deity, as well as each month! The New Year festival is called Noruz and is the most joyous of all Zoroastrianism feasts!
Fire
The main symbol in Zoroastrianism is the sacred fire. It must be on continually, and needs to be fed at least 5 times a day, along with 5 prayers a day. It stays in a place called the fire temple. Zoroastrians believe that fire purifies and also represents the presence of Ahura Mazda.
The Faravahar
It is the most common symbol in the Zoroastrian religion. It can be written and pronounced in many different ways. It reminds people of their purpose in life and reminds adherents to live in the ways of Ahura Mazda. "The imagery of a disc with wings likely originated as a sun with wings. Later, a human torso was added to the symbol. The archer in a feathered robe represents Ashur, an Assryian god. Over time the image became a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. Presently, the symbol is often used to depict a guardian angel." (Facts).
FUN FACT- there are 6 seasonal festivals called the Gahanabars. Also, each day of the month is dedicated to a certain deity, as well as each month! The New Year festival is called Noruz and is the most joyous of all Zoroastrianism feasts!