Faravahar

Definition

The faravahar is an ancient symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing the human soul's journey and its quest for truth and righteousness. This emblem features a winged disc with a human figure at its center, symbolizing the divine aspect of the soul and the importance of making ethical choices in life. It connects deeply with themes of morality, spirituality, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The faravahar symbol has roots in ancient Persia and has been associated with Zoroastrianism for over 2,500 years.
2. The design includes a winged figure representing the soul's divine nature, surrounded by a circle that signifies eternity.
3. The symbol serves as a reminder for individuals to reflect on their actions and strive toward goodness in their lives.
4. In contemporary Iran, the faravahar is often displayed as a national symbol, signifying pride in Persian heritage and history.
5. The faravahar is often depicted alongside other important Zoroastrian symbols such as the fire altar, which represents purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda.

Review Questions

• How does the faravahar symbolize the journey of the human soul in Zoroastrian belief?
  • The faravahar represents the journey of the human soul towards truth and righteousness within Zoroastrianism. Its design illustrates key principles of this belief system, including the need for individuals to make ethical choices throughout their lives. The winged figure at its center embodies the divine nature of the soul, urging followers to aspire to moral integrity and spiritual growth as they navigate life's challenges.
• Discuss the relationship between the faravahar and other Zoroastrian concepts such as Asha.
  • The faravahar is deeply connected to the concept of Asha in Zoroastrianism, as both emphasize truth and righteousness. While Asha represents an ideal state of order and morality in existence, the faravahar serves as a visual reminder for individuals to embody these principles through their actions. Together, they illustrate how Zoroastrians are encouraged to align their lives with cosmic order and strive toward personal enlightenment.
• Evaluate how the faravahar has influenced modern interpretations of Persian identity and culture.
  • The faravahar has significantly influenced modern interpretations of Persian identity by serving as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. In contemporary contexts, it is embraced by many Iranians not only as a representation of Zoroastrian beliefs but also as an emblem that highlights their historical legacy. This connection fosters a sense of unity among people who wish to celebrate their Persian roots while navigating modern societal challenges, thus linking ancient traditions with contemporary cultural identity.

Related terms

Zoroastrianism: An ancient pre-Islamic religion of Persia that emphasizes duality, the battle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu), and the importance of individual choice.

Asha: A central concept in Zoroastrianism representing truth, order, and righteousness, embodying the ideal way of life and the ultimate goal of existence.

Angra Mainyu: In Zoroastrian belief, Angra Mainyu is the destructive spirit and the embodiment of chaos and evil, opposing the benevolent creator Ahura Mazda.