Persian Ideology > Zoroastrian Calendar

Zoroastrian Calendar

Background

The Zoroastrian calendar is an ancient system of timekeeping used by followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions. The calendar has evolved over time, but its basic structure has remained significant for Zoroastrian religious observances and festivals. Here’s an overview of the Zoroastrian calendar:

Structure of the Zoroastrian Calendar

1. Months and Days:

   • The Zoroastrian year consists of 12 months, each with 30 days.
   • An additional period of five intercalary days (called Gatha days) is added at the end of the year to make a total of 365 days.
   • Each day of the month and each month of the year is dedicated to a different divine entity or aspect of creation, known as Yazata.

2. Names of the Months:

   • The months are named after major deities and concepts within Zoroastrianism. The names of the months are:
     1. Farvardin
     2. Ardibehesht
     3. Khordad
     4. Tir
     5. Amordad
     6. Shahrivar
     7. Mehr
     8. Aban
     9. Azar
     10. Dey
     11. Bahman
     12. Esfand

3. Days of the Month:

   • Each of the 30 days in a month is also named after a different divine entity. The names of the days are used in religious contexts and during Zoroastrian rituals.

Historical Evolution

1. Achaemenid Calendar:

   • The earliest form of the Zoroastrian calendar was used during the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE). This calendar was likely solar, similar to the Egyptian calendar.

2. Sassanian Calendar:

   • During the Sassanian Empire (224–651 CE), the Zoroastrian calendar became more standardized. The Sassanian rulers formalized the use of the 30-day month and the addition of the five Gatha days.

3. Post-Islamic Period:

   • After the Islamic conquest of Persia, Zoroastrian communities continued to use their traditional calendar alongside the Islamic calendar. Over time, different Zoroastrian communities, such as those in Iran and India (the Parsis), developed slightly different versions of the calendar.

Modern Use and Variants

1. Fasli Calendar:

   • The Fasli calendar is a modern adaptation of the Zoroastrian calendar that aligns more closely with the Gregorian calendar. It includes a leap year system to keep the calendar in sync with the solar year.

2. Shenshai and Kadmi Calendars:

   • The Parsis in India use two main variants of the Zoroastrian calendar: the Shenshai and Kadmi calendars. These calendars differ slightly in their calculations and the timing of religious festivals.

Major Festivals

1. Nowruz:

   • Nowruz, the Zoroastrian New Year, is celebrated on the spring equinox, marking the beginning of Farvardin, the first month of the Zoroastrian calendar.
   • It is a major festival celebrated with various rituals, feasts, and community gatherings.

2. Gahanbars:

   • The Gahanbars are six seasonal festivals that celebrate different aspects of creation and agricultural cycles. They are among the most important Zoroastrian religious observances.
   • The Gahanbars are:
     1. Maidyoshahem Gahanbar (mid-spring)
     2. Maidyarem Gahanbar (mid-summer)
     3. Paitishahem Gahanbar (end of summer)
     4. Ayathrem Gahanbar (mid-autumn)
     5. Maidyarem Gahanbar (mid-winter)
     6. Hamaspathmaidyem Gahanbar (end of winter)

3. Sadeh:

   • Sadeh is a mid-winter festival celebrated 50 days before Nowruz. It involves lighting large bonfires to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the defeat of the forces of chaos.

4. Mehregan:

   • Mehregan is celebrated in honor of Mithra (Mehr), the Yazata of covenant, light, and friendship. It takes place during the month of Mehr and is a festival of thanksgiving and joy.

Conclusion

The Zoroastrian calendar is a vital aspect of Zoroastrian religious practice and cultural identity. Its structure, with dedicated divine entities for each day and month, reflects the deep spiritual and cosmological beliefs of the Zoroastrian faith. Despite variations and adaptations over time, the calendar continues to play a central role in the religious life of Zoroastrian communities around the world.

Persian Ideology