Zoroastrian Rituals
Zoroastrianism has many rituals, all of which are important and serve a vital role for the faith, however the rituals below are the most important, the most common and most widely celebrated, affecting most if not all Zoroastrians.
Navjote
The Navjote is the coming of age ritual that all Zoroastrians must participate in between the ages of 7-12. This is when the young Zoroastrians are presented with a sudreh (an undergarment to remind them of their modesty, as well as to be trustworthy) as a kusti (a string made of 72 strings, one for each chapter of the Yasna) which they wear for the rest of their lives.
Death Rites
When a Zoroastrian dies, there is 3 day mourning period for the family, during this time the body is brought before a four-eyed dog (four eyed dogs are dogs that have spots over their eyes). After this, the body is taken the the Tower of Silence, which is a tall, round tower without a roof. The body is placed naked within the Tower in the right circle, there are 3 circles, one for women, one for men, and the last one for children. The body is left exposed to scavengers and other elements of nature to help with its decomposition. When only the bones remain, they are swept into the central well shared by all. On the 5th morning after death, a Zoroastrians soul enters into the spirit world where the deities will pass judgement. Zoroastrians can be buried or cremated as well, however this is often frowned upon by the religion.
Wedding
Zoroastrian wedding ceremonies can last anywhere between 3 days and a week. The first thing that happens however, is the signing of the marriage contract by the bride, groom, and their parents. Then, already married relatives hold white scarves over the new couples heads while two crystallized sugar cones are rubbed together in order to "sweeten the couples life together." The scarves are then sewn together to symbolize the new union, and a cord is tied around the bride and grooms hands, binding them to each other.
Purification Rituals:
There are three types 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 with the participation of a dog, whose left ear is touched by the candidate and whose gaze puts the evil spirits to flight that can last several days.
Other Rituals:
Yasna: the sacrifice of haoma, which means "sacred liquor." This is the main ritual and is practiced at all gatherings. It is celebrated before the sacred fire during the recitation of large portions of the Avesta and usually involves offerings of bread and milk as well.
Penance: this ritual involves the confession of sins to a dastur, followed by a recitation of the patet and firm resolve not to sin or to try harder to avoid sin again.
Gahanbars: seasonal festivals that are celebrated every two months, including Noruz (the New Year's Festival), Rapithwin (the summer festival) and Mithra (the autumn festival -- also known as Mehragan)
Penance: this ritual involves the confession of sins to a dastur, followed by a recitation of the patet and firm resolve not to sin or to try harder to avoid sin again.
Gahanbars: seasonal festivals that are celebrated every two months, including Noruz (the New Year's Festival), Rapithwin (the summer festival) and Mithra (the autumn festival -- also known as Mehragan)
