A Study of Zoroastrian Mourning Ceremonies and Rites in Ancient Iran

Tahmineh Raeessadat / Ph.D. in History of Islamic Iran, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

ta.raeessadat@gmail.com

Masoud Dadbakhsh / Ph.D in History of Islamic Iran, Kharazmi University

Received: 2019/01/31 - Accepted: 2019/06/11

Abstract

The mourning tradition has been one of the prominent aspects of the cultural and social life of various societies throughout history, and is one of the traditions that all societies with different religions and cultures care about. In Iran too, this tradition has always been celebrated on various occasions throughout history, including the mourning ceremony of Zoroastrians in ancient Iran. This paper is based on a conventional descriptive-analytical method in historical research, relying on data from major texts and sources and research conducted, and examines how mourning customs (including cleansing, burial, clothing, and food) were common among Zoroastrians in ancient Iran. The findings of the present study indicate that simple mourning ceremonies, avoidance of excessive mourning, the use of simple food and clothing, and the holding of a third ceremony were among the most important teachings of the Zoroastrian religion.

Keywords: Zoroastrians, Mourning Rituals, Purification Ceremonies, Burial Ceremonies, Mourning Garments, Mourning Food.