Zoroastrianism: Numerus Rituals

Zoroastrianism has numerus rituals. One stands out as the most popular because of its significance to fire. Fire is seen as good, warm, and a bearer of light. A large bonfire is made to bring back summer and cast out evils. This tradition transcends thousands of years, beginning in the 2nd millennium B.C.E. The Zoroastrian religion was one of the most popular beliefs from the 6th century B.C.E. to the 6th century C.E. After the fall of the Persian Empires Islam replaced Zoroastrianism. Over the centuries the population of Zoroastrians has depleted in the millions. Today only 200,000 still worship the old religion. The rituals associated with Zoroastrianism involve a plethora of dance techniques and musical styles, which survived for centuries.

Persia it a south western territory in the modern state of Iran. A few decades ago the name of Iran was still known as Persia. This is a similar complex to why many European and North American countries call the Netherlands, Holland. The terrain of Persia is mountainous with valleys and foothills. Unlike most of the Middle and Near East, Persia’s mountainous region makes it cold during the winter. Cold enough to freeze rivers and other natural water springs. The freezing of the water causes surrounding plants to die. The fire dance works to bring back the warmth of summer. The origin of Zoroastrianism started in the 2nd millennium B.C.E., which is around the time of another monotheistic religion, known as Judaism. There is no scholarly evidence that these two cultures shared or influenced each other’s beliefs of monotheism. Traditionally Zoroastrianism started with the prophet Zoroaster. Based on his writings scholars can estimate he lived during the 6th century

People gather around the fire, hold hands, dance, and clap in a circle around the huge flames. Drums, flutes, harps, tambourines, and other stringed instruments are used to encourage everyone to dance. Most participates where white. White is the color of purity and cleanliness, which can spiritually happen through the purging fire created by Ahura Mazda. Another form of fire dance can be conducted with one or more people. Hand movements tell stories of ancient and medieval mythology and folklore from Persia. There is no firm hand movements that are distinguished all over the Zoroastrian world. Each sect of Zoroastrians, whether in the U. S. or India, have their own hand movement language. An autobiography from a famous Persian writer in 1953 by Najmeh Najafi, has a quote that encompasses the entire method of fire dancing hand