KIM LAWTON, guest anchor: On our calendar this week, Bahais and Zoroastrians prepare for their New Year, called Norooz, which occurs at the spring equinox. The Zoroastrian faith began in ancient Persia, now Iran. Estimates vary widely, but some claim that only as few as 115,000 Zoroastrians remain, most in India but also in Iran, Europe, and North America. To learn more about how Zoroastrian Americans celebrate Norooz, we visited the Aidun family in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Zoroastrianism teaches that people should do good to help their one God in his cosmic struggle with the power of evil.
We visited a Zoroastrian family of Iranian-Americans, the Aiduns, in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
“Light is a sign of knowledge and wisdom.” |
“FARZAD AIDUN (hugging his children): Happy Norooz!
Norooz is celebrated at the precise moment that spring arrives.
The Prophet Zoroaster’s message was very universal, centered around the tenets of good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
The Haft Seen table is central to the Norooz celebration. “Seen” is one of the letters of the alphabet. Items beginning with the letter “seen” are traditionally put on the table. (Chanting the Ashem Vohu — prayers).
There’s a misconception amongst many that, you know, Zoroastrians are fire worshippers. Traditionally, it’s customary to pray in front of the fire or pray towards a light source. Light is very significant in the Zoroastrian religion, and it’s a sign of knowledge and wisdom.
(to his son): Now look in the mirror…
We offer the mirror. It’s essentially a sign of light. You look in mirror and you get some rosewater, which is very aromatic. You also get to see yourself and how you look at the beginning of the year.
(teaching his children at the kitchen table): Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
I believe in one God, Ahura Mazda. My God allows me to think and to choose what’s right and wrong. “Asha” is the law of nature. And as long as you strive to always follow the path of Asha, to make sure that you’re considering everything in the universe, you will make this world a better place for future generations to come.
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