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Zoroastrianism, Zoroastrians, and Zoroaster. Zoroastrians are the original Persians who lived and ruled the lands of modern day Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and parts of India. They are a group of people, who are mistakenly known as “Fire Worshipers”. Zoroastrianism is considered to be one of the oldest religions in world. I do not know the depths of the faith, but I do know Zoroastrians see Zoroaster in the same way Buddhists see The Buddha. The confusion of “fire worshiping” comes with the notion that Zoroastrians see fire to be cleansing and purifying, and also a gateway to Zoroaster. Fire is where the written prayers of the worshipers are placed… there they are purified before entering the heavens where Zoroaster and other “purified” things go. It’s very complex and dynamic.

But what does this have to do with Beirut? It’s simple. After the Shah of Iran was overthrown, Beirut became home to a large number of Zoroastrian “refugees”. Like many others, they chose Lebanon to be their home, and refuge, as they knew they were free to practice their religion freely without oppression. That was not the case, however, as they were not permitted to open up a temple of worship, while they faced harsh criticism from many of the Lebanese religious groups… calling them “sinners” and “possessed”. In many parts of the world, Zoroastrian temples have had flames that have been burning for hundreds upon hundreds of years non-stop. In Lebanon, where religious freedoms are welcomed and encouraged, their flames were secluded to their homes, and not to the public.

Many of us do not even know that Zoroastrians lived, and continue to live, in Beirut. This is not the Lebanese’s fault, but mostly the fault of the Zoroastrians themselves, as they choose to stay secluded, only mingling and getting together with others from their community. In Hamra one year, I met a Persian man, who talked to me about all of this. Because of my curioosiity, and constant questions, Yazatem (who uses the Arabic name Yasir) invited me to his wedding ceremony.

It was a a beautiful ceremony, which is much simpler and much more spiritual than weddings of the Lebanese. Yazatem’s ceremony was very extravagant, even for a small community. The first 7 hours of the wedding (usually starting at dawn – for religious purposes) is one large “mass”. Upon entry into the home (usually a temple), the guests are presented with silver coins, wrapped and prepared by the women of both the bride and groom’s side of the family. This is where the woman takes her husbands last name, in front of her guests and in front of the high priest (which are usually flown in from India, as Lebanon lacks in this). Then two lamps are lit, one in each of the homes of the marrying parties. Once again the ladies travel to the home of the other party and place a silver coin upon the lamp. It is at this occasion that formal gifts are exchanged. This includes the exchange of wedding rings. A few hours before the ceremony a procession forms carrying gifts to the bridegroom’s house, usually accompanied by music. It then turns to the house of the bride where, typically, the marriage occurs. The assembly, once seated, awaits the arrival of the groom who is greeted at the door by the mother of the bride. Here a mark is placed upon his head.

Rice is used as a good luck symbol, I guess, and the couple is presented with trays of rice, which they throw while praying. They are also surrounded by candles, as like I mentioned, fire is an important part of Zoroastrian traditions. The priest will then ask the two if they agree to the marriage, and when they do, he wraps their right hands in a cloth 7 times, uniting them. Witnesses, which must be two married couples, must be present, and will burn their witness, as it is the symbol if sending it up to “The Heavens” purified and honest. The curtain, which separates the groom and his wife, is then dropped, and they must shower each other with rice, with the first person to finish his/her tray of rice being declared the winner. The male is usually determined to win, as it is said to strengthen him as head of the household. The priest then says: “May the Creator, the omniscient Lord, grant you a progeny of sons and grandsons, plenty of means to provide yourselves, heart-ravishing friendship, bodily strength, long life and an existence of 150 years!” concluding the religious part of the wedding.

The reception, which is very wild, is started by a large feast. Fish is served as the main course, as it is another symbol of good luck. Unfortunately for me, I hate fish, so I stuck to the rice. Toasts to the host, the holy fire, the priests and the couple fill the feast with noise. And when everyone is fed and full, a MASSIVE goblet is placed on a high table, lit and burns all night. This is where I, Seif, was able to show off his Persian dancing skills. Yes, I claim to be very very good (haha). During the reception, the head scarves, and long clothing used for religious ceremonies comes off, and the party has really begun.

I attended more Zoroastrian parties, being invited more times by Yazatem. They are an all-welcoming people, who really like to have fun, enjoy life, and welcome everybody. Sadly, they did not receive this type of welcoming in Lebanon.

Why is this relevant? Well, this week I am attending my second Zoroastrian wedding. And being so that I have been to one before, I will not be as lost as I was the first time. I k now what to expect. I also decided to talk about them because the Zoroastrians are a community of about 500 in Beirut, who usually claim to be Muslim or Christian to avoid any “problems”. It’s striking, Lebanon is home to so many religious refugees, yet because the Zoroastrians are very different, they hide from the rest of the Lebanese society. Which makes me ask… do you know any “secret Zoroastrians” in Lebanon?

A Zoroastrian party in Iran.

*If any Zoroastrians come across this post, and find a mistake in my description of the religious part of the wedding, please do not hesitate to correct me, I would appreciate that. My apologies in advance if I do, as it has been a while! 😉 *

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