Post by Admin on Jul 9, 2021 15:05:15 GMT
The Faravahar: The Ancient Zoroastrian Symbol of Iran
www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-religions/faravahar-0014784
The Faravahar is arguably the best-known symbol of the Persian Zoroastrian faith. This symbol consists of a winged disc with a man emerging from it. The man is shown holding a ring. Whilst the symbol is well known, the meaning behind it is more complicated. The Faravahar was adopted as a secular symbol to represent the modern nation of Iran.
‘Faravahar’ is a Pahlavi (known also as Middle Persian) word and is said to be derived from the Avestan word (the language of the Avesta, the Zoroastrian scripture) “fravarane,” which translates to mean “I choose.” Alternatively, it has been suggested that the name of this symbol is connected to the Old Persian word “fravarti” or “fravashi,” meaning “to protect.” The former implies the choice one makes to follow the teachings of Zoroastrianism, whereas the latter implies the divine protection of a guardian spirit. Incidentally, the name “Faravahar” was given to the symbol in more recent times, and it is unclear as to how the ancient Persians referred to this symbol.
The Ancient Historical Origins Of The Faravahar Symbol
Although we may not how the ancient Persians referred to the symbol, we do know that it was an important one for them. This is evident in the fact that the Faravahar appears in a variety of different places. For instance, the symbol is depicted on the famous Behistun Inscription . In this rock relief, the Faravahar is shown hovering above the prisoners of Darius the Great and giving the king its blessing. The Faravahar is also seen in Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenids.
www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-religions/faravahar-0014784
The Faravahar is arguably the best-known symbol of the Persian Zoroastrian faith. This symbol consists of a winged disc with a man emerging from it. The man is shown holding a ring. Whilst the symbol is well known, the meaning behind it is more complicated. The Faravahar was adopted as a secular symbol to represent the modern nation of Iran.
‘Faravahar’ is a Pahlavi (known also as Middle Persian) word and is said to be derived from the Avestan word (the language of the Avesta, the Zoroastrian scripture) “fravarane,” which translates to mean “I choose.” Alternatively, it has been suggested that the name of this symbol is connected to the Old Persian word “fravarti” or “fravashi,” meaning “to protect.” The former implies the choice one makes to follow the teachings of Zoroastrianism, whereas the latter implies the divine protection of a guardian spirit. Incidentally, the name “Faravahar” was given to the symbol in more recent times, and it is unclear as to how the ancient Persians referred to this symbol.
The Ancient Historical Origins Of The Faravahar Symbol
Although we may not how the ancient Persians referred to the symbol, we do know that it was an important one for them. This is evident in the fact that the Faravahar appears in a variety of different places. For instance, the symbol is depicted on the famous Behistun Inscription . In this rock relief, the Faravahar is shown hovering above the prisoners of Darius the Great and giving the king its blessing. The Faravahar is also seen in Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenids.