Persia Mini Essay Questions
By: Sophia Vernieri
How did religion control or influence Persian lives?
In ancient Persia religion took a big impact on daily life. People of that civilization practiced Zoroastrian which was founded 3500 years ago in Iran. It was once the state religion of the Archaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian empires and still is known as one of the oldest religions. Citizens who believed in that religion summoned to their God, Ahura Mazda. Ahura Mazda was said to be "the uncreated Creator to whom all worship is ultimately directed". The citizens also were required to believe in good vs. evil, Language, Religion, and People said “Zoroaster taught that Ahura Mazda headed the good spirits at supreme god, representing good, light, and truth. Opposed him were the evil spirits led by a god of darkness, Ahriman.” These powerful gods were always know to be in competition to reigning full control of the universe with men and women. Fire was also a big part of their ritual. Zoroastrian worship took place in temples and and out of doors at altars with the ritual, fire alongside. Fire, together with water and earth, were revered as the natural events of Ahura Mazda and were considered sacred. In all, religion impacted very much.
How does religion impact lives in the modern world (USA)?
In all religions there are special things that impact the people, even in modern world. In the USA we have four main religions, Christianity dominating most. In addition to Christianity people practice Jainism, Islam, and Buddhism. In Christianity the religion impacts it’s followers by requiring them to attend mass at a church every sunday. It also requires the Christian children to go to ccd once during the week. Another way Christianity effects people that they have Good Friday, where you can’t eat meat. Also Lent, where you give up one thing for 44 days. Lastly, the priests cannot have a spouse since they need to devote all their passion to christ. In Jainism their people believe in one God, the same God Christians believe in. They're required to go to the temple every Sunday and the children have to go to temple 3 times a week to prepare for their bat mitzvah. Another thing they have to do is fast. On the holiday of Yom Kippur, the most important Jewish holiday, they fast from sunrise to sunset. Some Jewish people also need to dress conservatory and in black all the time. In Islam people believe in Allah (an Arabic name) who was said to create all the universe for a reason. Muslim women have to cover themselves in loose clothing everywhere except for their face and hands. Muslim men have to cover themselves from knee up to the naval. Finally they also have to pray 5 prayers everyday. Lastly, people who practice Buddhism have to believe in the Buddha who is not a God. They also believe in karma which means that whatever goes around comes back at you. Buddhist monks are also required to shave their heads and wear a robe. As you can see, even after all the religious differences they all effect the modern world by having us do things differently than the modern way. In all religions there are special things that impact the people, even in modern world. In the USA we have four main religions, Christianity dominating most. In addition to Christianity people practice Jainism, Islam, and Buddhism. In Christianity the religion impacts it’s followers by requiring them to attend mass at a church every sunday. It also requires the Christian children to go to ccd once during the week. Another way Christianity effects people that they have Good Friday, where you can’t eat meat. Also Lent, where you give up one thing for 44 days. Lastly, the priests cannot have a spouse since they need to devote all their passion to christ. In Jainism their people believe in one God, the same God Christians believe in. They're required to go to the temple every Sunday and the children have to go to temple 3 times a week to prepare for their bat mitzvah. Another thing they have to do is fast. On the holiday of Yom Kippur, the most important Jewish holiday, they fast from sunrise to sunset. Some Jewish people also need to dress conservatory and in black all the time. In Islam people believe in Allah (an Arabic name) who was said to create all the universe for a reason. Muslim women have to cover themselves in loose clothing everywhere except for their face and hands. Muslim men have to cover themselves from knee up to the naval. Finally they also have to pray 5 prayers everyday. Lastly, people who practice Buddhism have to believe in the Buddha who is not a God. They also believe in karma which means that whatever goes around comes back at you. Buddhist monks are also required to shave their heads and wear a robe. As you can see, even after all the religious differences they all effect the modern world by having us do things differently than the modern way.
Persian Festivals!
In Ancient Persia the citizens liked to have a good time, especially with festivals! One of their main festivals was called Nowruz, which means "day". This special day is hosted on the beginning of spring or the beginning of the year, according to the Iranian calendar, to rejuvenate themselves. During this celebration, families talk about their best experiences of the last year and the things they are looking forward in the next year as they bond with new beginnings. There are many other things Iranians do for nowruz including khane tekani (cleaning the house) and haji firooz, where a person who make his face black and wears a red dress, walks around the streets and entertains people by singing a special song. In another festival, Sizdah Bedar, citizens celebrate joy and solidarity. This is celebrated for 13 days outdoors in nature. On the 13th day it celebrates the beginning of the 12th month which has nothing do with 13 since it’s an unlucky number. Next, they celebrate Mehregan which relates a lot to the American holiday, Thanksgiving. On this day people celebrate the Mehr or affection they have for one another. This is one of the most important days if the year! Finally the Persians celebrate Shabe Chele. This is a day where they acknowledge a turning point in the year, the time where the longest and darkest day is over. People eat special nuts also known as, Shab-e Yaldā to symbolize good over evil.