Rituals

Abstract

This chapter combines historical and contemporary perspectives; accordingly, it addresses change and variation in the historical development of Zoroastrian rituals. At the same time, it points to some characteristic features of Zoroastrian rituals such as the importance of priests and the significance of text. In addition to the priestly rituals and their prescriptions for the ritual conduct of life, the chapter also surveys biographical transition ceremonies (initiations, weddings, funerals). Anti-ritual rhetoric is a recurrent issue in religious reform movements, which often seek to abandon, replace, or reinterpret established ritual practice. While the Avestan texts eventually were written down, the manuscript tradition basically had an auxiliary function, not so much serving as an independent medium of learning and reflection, but as a means of supporting and strengthening the priestly art of words. Priests perform rituals as acts of worship on behalf of their patrons or customers.

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