Zoroastrianism and Parsiism
- Zoroastrianism and Parsiism
-
Ancient religion that originated in Iran based on the teachings of
Zoroaster.
Founded in the 6th century BCE, it influenced the monotheistic religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It rejects
polytheism, accepting only one supreme God,
Ahura Mazdā. In early Zoroastrianism, the struggle between good and evil was seen as an eternal rivalry between Ahura Mazdā's twin sons, Spenta Mainyu (
good) and Angra Mainyu (
evil). Later Zoroastrian cosmology made the rivalry between Ahura Mazdā himself (by then called Ormizd) and Angra Mainyu (
Ahriman). This later cosmology identifies four periods of history; the last began with the birth of Zoroaster. Zoroastrian practice includes an initiation ceremony and various rituals of purification intended to ward off evil spirits. Fire worship, a carryover from an earlier religion, survives in the sacred fire that must be kept burning continually and be fed at least five times a day. The chief ceremony involves a sacrifice of haoma, a sacred liquor, accompanied by recitation of large parts of the
Avesta, the primary scripture. Zoroastrianism enjoyed status as an official religion at various times before the advent of
Islam, but Zoroastrians were persecuted in the 8th–10th centuries, and some left Iran to settle in India. By the 19th century these Indian Zoroastrians, or
Parsis, were noted for their wealth and education. The small group of Zoroastrians remaining in Iran are known as the
Gabars.
* * *
Universalium.
2010.
Look at other dictionaries:
Zoroastrianism — /zawr oh as tree euh niz euhm, zohr /, n. an Iranian religion, founded c600 B.C. by Zoroaster, the principal beliefs of which are in the existence of a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, and in a cosmic struggle between a spirit of good, Spenta Mainyu,… … Universalium
Zoroastrianism — noun system of religion founded in Persia in the 6th century BC by Zoroaster; set forth in the Zend Avesta; based on concept of struggle between light (good) and dark (evil) • Syn: ↑Mazdaism • Members of this Topic: ↑Avestan, ↑Ahura • Hype … Useful english dictionary
doctrine and dogma — ▪ religion Introduction the explication and officially acceptable version of a religious teaching. The development of doctrines and dogmas has significantly affected the traditions, institutions, and practices of the religions of the world … Universalium
Nōrūz — ▪ Zoroastrianism and Parsiism also spelled Nō Rūz , or Nō Rūz the New Year festival often associated with Zoroastrianism and Parsiism. The festival is celebrated in many countries, including Iran, Iraq, India, and Afghanistan. It usually … Universalium
Ahura Mazda — Zoroastrianism. the supreme creative deity, the creator of Gayomart whose omnipotence is challenged by Angra Mainyu. Also called Mazda, Ohrmazd, Ormazd, Ormuzd. * * * Supreme god of ancient Iranian religion, especially Zoroastrianism. Ahura Mazda … Universalium
Zoroaster — /zawr oh as teuhr, zohr , zawr oh as teuhr, zohr /, n. fl. 6th century B.C., Persian religious teacher. Also called Zarathustra. * * * or Zarathustra born с 628, probably Rhages, Iran died с 551 BCE Iranian religious reformer and prophet, founder … Universalium
salvation — salvational, adj. /sal vay sheuhn/, n. 1. the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc. 2. the state of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc. 3. a source, cause, or means of being saved or protected from harm,… … Universalium
prayer — prayer1 prayerless, adj. prayerlessly, adv. prayerlessness, n. /prair/, n. 1. a devout petition to God or an object of worship. 2. a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession … Universalium
ceremonial object — ▪ religion Introduction any object used in a ritual or a religious ceremony. Throughout the history of religions and cultures, objects used in cults, rituals, and sacred ceremonies have almost always been of both utilitarian and symbolic… … Universalium
Sraosha — In Zoroastrianism and Parsiism, the divine being who is the messenger of Ahura Mazda and the embodiment of the divine word. He serves as the mediator between the human and the divine. Zoroastrians believe that no ritual is valid without his… … Universalium
