Zoroastrianism

The religion known as Zoroastrianism was founded in the 500s BC by an Iranian named Zoroaster. Most followers of the religion live in India. There the religion is known as Parsiism.

Zoroastrians believe the world is involved in a struggle between good and evil.

They worship one supreme god, Ahura Mazda, the creator of the world and all good things. Evil is represented by Ahriman, creator of all bad things. Zoroastrians believe that in the end all evil will be destroyed. They are expected to turn away from evil. Giving to others and being truthful are important.

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Children become Zoroastrians at age 7 or 10. They receive two sacred garments, a sadre (shirt) and kusti (girdle). They are to wear these garments through their whole lives.

Fire is an important symbol in Zoroastrianism. Followers of the religion say prayers every day, often in front of a fire. The main ceremony involves sacrificing a sacred liquor while reading from a sacred book called the Avesta. Zoroastrians also perform cleansing rituals to keep away evil spirits.

Zoroastrianism spread slowly from Persia (now Iran) to other countries. It became the official religion of Persia in AD 224. Eventually, Islam took over as the major religion there. Most Zoroastrians left Persia to settle in India. Today, followers of Zoroastrianism live in about 20 countries.