Pir (Zoroastrianism)
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Pir (Persian: پیر) refers to a site of pilgrimage, typically one of the Zoroastrian faith, in Persian. Pirs range from localized devotional sites to major centers of worship.[1] Among the most well-known pirs are the six mountain pir which can be found in and around the city of Yazd, Iran: Seti Pir, Pir-e Sabz, Pir-e Nāraki, Pir-e Bānu, Pir-e Herisht, and Pir-e Nārestān.[2] However, pirs can be found in cities throughout the Persian world including Kerman,[3] Shiraz[4] and Tehran.[5]
Structure of a Pir
[edit]There is no universal principle of design in Zoroastrian religious architecture; as a result, each pir has its own unique structures and features. However, there are certain traits which many pirs possess such as an altar-like structure used to house atar or sacred fires. In mountain pirs, shrines often take the form of a large stone or solid piece of rock.[6] Many of the larger shrines are located near a natural water source, the water of which may be considered sacred as well.[7] Often, plane trees or cypresses[8] can be found in or near the pir. To these trees are sometimes tied wish-ribbons, a form of decorative, occasionally highly complex, textile garlands.
Modern practices
[edit]Traditionally, pilgrims would spend three days at pirs before departing;[1] however, in modern times this practice has declined.[9] The only exception to this is in Pir-e Sabz, where it is still common for worshippers to remain near the site from June 15 to 18, the traditional dates of pilgrimage.[9] In Vancouver, the Zoroastrian community annually gathers in a specific spot in the mountains on June 13 and practices the rituals and traditions that they would be enacting were they able to travel to Pir-e Sabz itself.[10] This community has observed the pilgrimage days in this manner since 1999.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla (2000). "Guide to Zarthoshtrian historical places in Iran." University of Michigan Press. LCCN 2005388611 pg. 164
- ^ "Zoroastrian Sacred Sites".
- ^ Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla (2000). "Guide to Zarthoshtrian historical places in Iran." University of Michigan Press. LCCN 2005388611 pg. 47
- ^ http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Firuzabad/Firuzabad00.htm
- ^ G. Gropp, "Die rezenten Feuertempel der Zarathustrier (II)", Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran N.F.4, 1971 pp. 263-288 (German)
- ^ Strausberg, Michael. (2004). Zoroastrian rituals in context. New York: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-13131-6 pg. 575
- ^ http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Pir-e-Sabz/Pir-e-Sabz-3.htm
- ^ http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Pir-e-Sabz/Pir-e-Sabz-7.htm
- ^ a b c Strausberg, Michael. (2004). Zoroastrian rituals in context. New York: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-13131-6 pg. 591
- ^ "American Zoroastrians paid respect to Pire Sabz | Zoroastrian News - اخبار زرتشتیان". www.zoroastriannews.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-06.