Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions, has deeply influenced the cultural and spiritual landscape of Iran and beyond. Originating in ancient Persia over three millennia ago, Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) and became the dominant religion of the Persian Empire for centuries. Central to Zoroastrian belief is the concept of dualism, the eternal struggle between the forces of good (represented by Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord) and evil (personified by Angra Mainyu or Ahriman). Followers of Zoroastrianism adhere to ethical principles outlined in the sacred text known as the Avesta, which emphasizes the importance of truth, righteousness, and the pursuit of a virtuous life. Zoroastrianism's influence extends beyond its theological tenets to encompass various cultural, social, and architectural aspects of Iranian society. From the fire temples that serve as places of worship to the iconic Faravahar symbol, which represents the eternal journey of the soul, Zoroastrian motifs and practices are woven into the fabric of Iranian identity. The tradition of celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, originates from Zoroastrianism and continues to be observed by millions of people across Iran and neighboring countries. Despite its ancient roots, Zoroastrianism has faced challenges over the centuries, including the Arab conquest of Persia and subsequent conversions to Islam. However, Zoroastrian communities have persevered, maintaining their faith and cultural heritage through generations of adversity. Today, while Zoroastrianism is no longer the dominant religion in Iran, it continues to be practiced by a dedicated community of believers, particularly in the cities of Yazd and Kerman, where Zoroastrian temples and traditions are preserved. Beyond Iran, Zoroastrianism has left its mark on the wider world, influencing the development of other religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The ethical principles and spiritual teachings of Zoroastrianism continue to resonate with
Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, has deeply influenced the cultural and spiritual landscape of Iran and beyond. Originating in ancient Persia over three millennia ago, Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) and became the dominant religion of the Persian Empire for centuries. Central to Zoroastrian belief is the concept
Nowruz The Persian New Year Nowruz in Iran marks the first day of Farvardin and the Iranian New Year. In the Gregorian calendar, Nowruz mostly occurs on March 20 or 21 and rarely on March 22 if it’s a leap year. This day in Iran and Afghanistan makes the New Year. UNESCO has registered Nowruz on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a World Heritage in 2009. The International Day of Nowruz (21th March) became well-know for the world. The United Nations officially accepted the “International Day of Nowruz” in 2010. More than 300 million people around the world, mostly in central Asia and IRAN, celebrate this day as the first day of the year and the New Year. Nowruz is officially a holiday celebrated in many countries such as Tajikistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Iraq, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Albania, and Uzbekistan. Iranians have inherited this ancient celebration from different ethnic groups in the region; a celebration with special colors and fragrances, which has a Persian identity and symbolizes the unity of Iranians. Nowruz is known as the beginning of the revitalization of nature, the timing of its growth, and the emergence of plants. Also, they believe they have to start the first day of the year by being in good spirits and wearing new clothes. The word NOWRUZ (Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz, Norooz, Nowrooz, Nowroz, Noruz, Novrooz, Novroz), means new day; its spelling and pronunciation may vary by country. Nowruz customs and traditions in Iran Chaharshanbe Suri (before Nowruz) Nowruz is a collection of celebrations and events. Nowruz celebrations first begin with Chaharshanbe Suri. On the last Thursday of the year, Iranians visit the graves of their forebearers to spend some time with their deceased loved ones. Khaneh Tekani (Spring cleaning) The other
Nowruz The Persian New Year Nowruz in Iran marks the first day of Farvardin and the Iranian New Year. In the Gregorian calendar, Nowruz mostly occurs on March 20 or 21 and rarely on March 22 if it’s a leap year. This day in Iran and Afghanistan makes the New Year. UNESCO has registered
Muharram in Iran The month of Muharram is important in the Hijri Calendar (Islamic calendar) and a significant one in the Iranian culture. This is a month full of key historical events, especially the 9th –Tasu’a- and the 10th –Ashura- are acknowledged yearly by many people in the world. These two days hold many memories for Iranians throughout their life. So, Muharram in Iran is annually commemorated by Iranians. As a constant for many years, they have developed a lot of traditions, customs, and ceremonies from it in various forms. History of Tasu’a and Ashura Imam Husain (the 3rd imam of Shia Muslims) was the second son of Imam Ali (the first imam of Shia Muslims) who due to the opposition to the Hasan–Muawiya treaty conflicted with Yazid (the son of Muawiya). During his travel to Kufa (a city near Mecca) he and most of his family died in battle due to him not pledging alliance to Yazid. Husain's suffering and death became a symbol of sacrifice in the struggle for right against wrong, and justice and truth against injustice and falsehood in Shi’a history, and as a result, the days of his and his family’s deaths are mourned every year by Shi’a’s around the world, especially in Iran. Muharram, Tasu’a and Ashura in Iran This is a time that most Tekyehs (sometimes they are called Heiats, Hosseiniye, Zeinabiye, etc.) start working in Iran, these are places for people of religion to gather in, socialize, mourn or celebrate events and do charity work for the local community. They are managed privately by the people and every neighborhood has one for itself (except some big ones in large cities like Tehran that have branches throughout the city), they are busy with the preparation the days before the start of the month.
Muharram in Iran The month of Muharram is important in the Hijri Calendar (Islamic calendar) and a significant one in the Iranian culture. This is a month full of key historical events, especially the 9th –Tasu’a- and the 10th –Ashura- are acknowledged yearly by many people in the world. These two days hold many memories
Yalda Night Yalda is the traditional Iranian celebration of the winter solstice – the longest night of the year. Observed widely throughout Iran’s history stretching back into pre-Zoroastrian times, Yalda Night evolved into a treasured festival bringing the family together and continues to be practiced by Iranians around the world. The ritual symbolizes the rebirth of light following the darkest night, and mythologically speaking, represents a critical moment in the eternal battle of Ahuramazada (light/ virtue/ existence) over Ahriman (dark/ evil/ nonexistence). On this cosmically important night, family members gather together in the home of the family elder (typically grandparents, parents, or great aunts and uncles) to share sweets, red fruits (including pomegranate, watermelon, and persimmon), and a mix of candied and roasted nuts. Sometimes, Persian herbed rice with fish is steamed for dinner. In the old days, fruits were set on a korsi – a low table with a heating source underneath – and the family would huddle under a thick blanket to munch on treats and tell stories. The use of the korsi diminished as modern heating systems became common in Iranian homes, but the feeling of togetherness survives in various forms. Some choose to eschew the traditional ceremony and instead gather with close friends for a music-fueled dance party. Whatever the feast, the one ever-present element is the cherished poetry of Hafez, the 14th-century Iranian poet, and mystic, whose words, even 700 years later, are still revered as a kind of oracle by all generations. Similar to fortune-telling with a side of mysticism, each family member puts their hand on the edge of the book, closes their eyes as they make a wish, and opens up a random page. Every family has a dedicated reader, who interprets the selected poem to suit the details of the wisher’s life. It
Yalda Night Yalda is the traditional Iranian celebration of the winter solstice – the longest night of the year. Observed widely throughout Iran’s history stretching back into pre-Zoroastrian times, Yalda Night evolved into a treasured festival bringing the family together and continues to be practiced by Iranians around the world. The ritual symbolizes the rebirth
