Let's see, Islamists, who have their origin as worshipers of a pagan moon god, see a festival of Zoroaster's, an enlightened and tolerant religion who sent three of their ancient kings to seek the Christ child, the son of God, as a pagan ceremony? Zoroaster's are a more advanced religion than Islamists can ever hope to be.
Could we hope for a revival of the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism in Iran? Until a bunch of raving maniacs branishing swords came into town, lopping of the heads of all those who did not embrace their fanatical warrior cult, the practice of Zoroaster's prescriptions for a good and decent life had held sway for many centuries in the kingdom of Persia.
The practice of that religion predated Christianity by several hundred years.
Ahura-Madza and Ahrihman constituted the duality of good and evil, and most of the pictures we have of "Satan" are based on Ahrihman. (Cloven hooves, horned, forked tail, twisted scowling face, carrying a trident)
Iran hardliners keep lid on ancient fire festival
16 Mar 2005 15:55:26 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Christian Oliver
ISFAHAN, Iran, March 16 (Reuters) - Iranian authorities beat up and tear gassed exuberant young revellers as they breathed new life into a pre-Islamic fire festival with a night of dancing, flirting and fireworks.
The Islamic Republic, which has an awkward relationship with its ancient Zoroastrian religion, only gave guarded recognition to the "Chaharshanbe Souri" festival last year.
Hundreds of people poured onto the streets in Tehran and other cities for a rare night of partying. Public revelry is unusual in Iran where the authorities consider it to be at odds with the country's strict moral codes.
The IRNA news agency said police used tear gas in more than four places in Tehran. Vigilantes were also seen beating up a group of boys in the central city of Isfahan.