Holidays of Zoroastrianism - Fire Festival of Warriors

Zoroastrianism is a religion that incorporates the ancient cults of Iranian peoples Its founder is considered to be the reformer and prophet Zarathushtra The peoples who inhabited the Iranian plateau and professed Zoroastrianism were peace-loving; they worshiped Nature, Earth and Fire The cult of fire is considered the most ancient Fire constantly accompanied ancient man: it gave him warmth, food and light Together with the cult of the life-giving Sun, the cult of fire is included in almost all world religions It is not for nothing that candles and lamps are constantly burning in many churches In Zoroastrianism, the flame is especially revered; it is considered the image of God on earth Therefore, Zoroastrians are sometimes called fire worshipers The flame personifies Khvarna - God's Grace, the divine element, life energy Since ancient times, Khvarna has been depicted as a glow above the head - a halo It was received both at birth and for special merits during life According to the beliefs of Zoroastrians, there are three types of life path and, accordingly, three fires: the fire of priests, the fire of warriors, the fire of kings As already noted, the followers of Zoroastrianism are very peace-loving, therefore, they consider warriors not only those who seize or defend lands (rataeshtars), but also those who enter into the fight against evil, who can overcome themselves and their bad thoughts, who perform virtues Such fighters against evil also receive the Hvarna of warriors On the last day of March, followers of Zoroastrianism celebrate the Fire Festival of Warriors Only men are allowed to attend, because women professing this religion can only take part in domestic rituals The most significant moments of the celebration are considered to be sunrise and noon From early morning until midnight, three torches burn, symbolizing the life-giving divine elements All men invited to the celebration have no right to walk around with their heads uncovered throughout the day Lamb dishes are a must on the festive table The food prepared on this day must be natural, that is, it must be obtained and cooked over the fire by the men themselves Wine is allowed on the table Thus, the Fire Festival is an occasion to congratulate male defenders, those who are constantly working on their essence, trying to change for the better and change the world around them Only such people, according to the beliefs of Zoroastrians, are capable of receiving Khvarna warriors