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Disclaimer The views presented herein are the speaker’s own, influenced by the speaker’s own thoughts, memories, experiences, and research. Where applicable, the sources of any information outside of the speaker’s personal knowledge are credited

Overview v Theme for today: Zoroastrianism & World Religions • v What does it mean to be Zoroastrian? v Calendars v Prayers

Theme: Influence of Zoroastrianism v Zoroastrianism: What does it mean to you? G ood Thoughts v Words Deeds v Other world religions (over 4,300)* Christianity • Islam • Hinduism • ... • *Source: Juan, Stephen, “What are the most widely practiced religions of the world?” (2006), https://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/10/06/the_odd_body_religion/.

What Zoroastrianism Means to Me v Comparison to Pollyanna: Ø 1913 novel, 1960’s Disney movie Ø “800 Happy Texts” in the Bible v Zoroastrian prayers comparison: Ø Focus on the practices of Good thoughts, Good words, Good deeds: Ø Almost every single prayer contains a “Happy Text” Ø Translations of our prayers

“Happy Texts” In Zoroastrian Prayers Source: http://www.avesta.org/ka/ka_part1.htm YATHA AHU VAIRYO ASHEM VOHU ý athâ ahû vairyô ashem vohû vahishtem astî athâ ratush ashâtcît hacâ ushtâ astî ushtâ ahmâi vanghêush dazdâ mananghô hyat ashâi vahishtâi ashem. shyaothananãm anghêush mazdâi xshathremcâ ahurâi â ý im drigubyô dadat vâstârem!! Holiness (Asha) is the best of all good: The will of the Lord is the it is also happiness. law of righteousness. The gifts of Vohu-mano to Happy the man who is holy with perfect holiness! Photo Credit: Zoroastrian Kids Korner: the deeds done in this world https://www.zoroastriankids.com/ for Mazda. He who relieves the poor makes Ahura king.

What Zoroastrianism Means to Others v How do you answer the question “what is Zoroastrianism”? v Do you mention the Sudreh and Kusti? v What are the reactions when you explain?

Calendars April January March February May June July August October September November December Ardibehest Khordad Tir Farvardin Meher Amardad Shehrevar Avan S henshai 3 K admi Adar Dae Bahman Aspandarmad Zoroastrian Calendars F asli

The Name of Each Day Has a Meaning* *Source: http://delhiparsis.com/2007/08/19/the-parsi-zoroastrian- calendar-days-and-their-meanings/

1 st Week The first week celebrates ‘ AHURA MAZDA & THE AMESHA SPENTAS’ Day Name Meaning ( lit. Beneficent Immortals) sometimes called the 1 Hormazd Lord of Wisdom Archangels. They are the highest spiritual beings created by Ahura 2 Bahman Good Mind Mazda. 3 Ardibehesht Truth & Order 4 Shehrevar Great Power 2nd Week 5 Asfandarmad Devotion Day Name Meaning 6 Khordad Perfection 8 Dae-pa-adar Giver of Fire 7 Amardad Immortality 9 Adar Fire 10 Avan Water 11 Khorshed Sun The second week celebrates 12 Mohor Moon ‘LIGHT and NATURE’ 13 Tir Star 14 Gosh Cow / OX

3rd Week The third week celebrates Day Name Meaning ‘MORAL QUALITIES’ Giver Of Friendship 15 Dae-pa-meher 16 Meher Friendship 17 Sarosh Prayer 4th Week 18 Rashne Judge 19 Farvadin Guardian Spirit Day Name Meaning 20 Behram Victory 23 Dae-pa-din Giver of Religion 21 Ram Joy & Peace 24 Din Religion 22 Govad Wind 25 Ashishvangh Wealth 26 Astad Sun 27 Asman Moon The fourth week celebrates 28 Zamyad Earth ‘RELIGIOUS IDEAS’ 29 Marespand Holy Words 30 Aneran Endless Light

Gregorian Calendar: Complex History *Source: https://www.livescience.com/45432-days-of-the-week.html v “... the cycle of the week shapes how we live our lives…” v Seven-day week dates back to 21st Century BC Time it takes for moon to transition between each phase: Ø • Full • Waning half • New • Waxing half Moon Cycle: 29.53 days Ø Babylonians inserted 1-2 days into final week of each month Ø v Romans named the days after their gods (5 known planets + sun & moon) Although not said to be influenced by Zoroastrianism, the Gregorian calendar is also influenced by religion.

How do you observe the calendar? v Observance of the “special” days? Ø Navroze Ø Khordad saal Ø Veg vs. Non-veg days Ø Bahman Mahino v Keeping Track: Ø Smartphone apps Ø Spreadsheets Ø Hardbound / wall hanging calendars

Thank You