The rituals of Zoroastrianism carry the Zoroastrian believer from birth to death, marking the important rites of passage and times of joy and sorrow, creating occasions for celebration and unity. In the ancient Zoroastrian rituals and prayers are all of the history of the faith and the poetry of the Gathas. The unbroken tradition of Zoroastrian ritual has helped to keep the religion strong and alive through more than 3,000 years.
Zoroastrians are expected to marry and produce children, the only way in which Zoroastrianism can grow and prosper. The participants all wear white, the color worn by Zoroastrians on religious occasions. Traditionally Zoroastrian weddings are held at home, although hotels and other meeting places may be used. The groom often enters in a procession of musicians and guests led by a priest. At least two priests lead the ceremony. The couple sits next to each other with witnesses, usually members of each family, behind them. Like all Zoroastrian ceremonies the wedding takes place in the presence of a fire.
The ceremony begins with a blessing. The senior priest expresses the hope that the couple will have long lives, lasting love, health and strength, and be blessed with children and grandchildren. The priest then asks the witnesses if they agree to the union and, when the answer is yes, asks the couple if they have agreed “with a righteous mind” to be married until the end of their lives. Each replies individually, “We have agreed.” The ceremony recalls the wedding of Pouruchista and Jamaspa, during which Zarathustra asked his daughter if she freely agreed to the marriage.
Zoroastrian Rituals: The BOI Ceremony
