How does Zoroastrianism deal with death?
Instead of burying the corpse, Zoroastrians traditionally laid it out on a purpose built tower (dokhma or ‘Tower of Silence’) to be exposed to the sun and eaten by birds of prey such as vultures.
Which should be done during a Zoroastrian funeral ritual?
Which of the following should be done during a Zoroastrian funeral ritual? The body should be burnt on a funeral pyre. Care should be taken to protect the earth from direct contact with bodies of the dead. Placement of the body in a tower of silence should be done during the night.
What are the rituals of Zoroastrianism?
They may engage in a purification ritual, such as the washing of the hands, then untie and then retie it while reciting prayers. Prayers are primarily invocational, calling upon and celebrating Ahura Mazda and his good essence that runs through all things.
Is Parsi and Zoroastrianism same?
Parsi Religion Parsi are followers of Zoroastrianism in India. According to Parsi tradition, a group of Iranian Zoroastrians emigrated from Persia to escape religious persecution by the Muslim majority after the Arab conquest.
How do Parsis cremate?
We all know that Parsis do not bury or cremate their dead. They have their own belief system which does not allow them to do either. The Parsis, instead, have their own structure called “Tower of Silence” or dakhma where the dead lie in peace. The carcass is left to be eaten by vultures.
What is the Tower of Silence in Zoroastrianism?
dakhma, (Avestan: “tower of silence”), Parsi funerary tower erected on a hill for the disposal of the dead according to the Zoroastrian rite. Such towers are about 25 feet (8 m) high, built of brick or stone, and contain gratings on which the corpses are exposed.
Does Zoroastrianism allow alcohol?
Only members of religious minorities – Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians – are allowed to brew, distil, ferment and drink, in their homes, and trade in liquor is forbidden. Catholic priests make their own wine for Mass.
How do Zoroastrians cremate?
“We have an unusual method of disposal of the dead. The Parsi corpse is exposed to the rays of the sun, and the corpse is consumed or devoured by birds of prey — vultures, kites and crows,” Mistree says. For Zoroastrians, burying or cremating the dead is seen as polluting nature.
How do Parsis get married?
A Parsi wedding takes place on a stage in an agiary (fire temple). Before the groom steps on the stage, the bride’s mother performs a ritual called Achumichu. In this ritual, the bride’s mother holds a tray with a raw egg, supari, rice, coconut, dates and water and begins the ceremony with her son-in-law to be.