Pir (Zoroastrianism)

Pir (Persian: پیر‎) refers to a site of pilgrimage, typically one of the Zoroastrian faith, in Persian. Pirs range from localized devotional sites to major centers of worship.[1] Among the most well-known pirs are the six mountain pir which can be found in and around the city of Yazd, Iran: Seti Pir, Pir-e Sabz, Pir-e Nāraki, Pir-e Bānu, Pir-e Herisht, and Pir-e Nārestān.[2] However, pirs can be found in cities throughout the Persian world including Kerman,[3] Shiraz[4] and Tehran.[5]

Structure of a Pir

There is no universalizing principal of design in Zoroastrian religious architecture; as a result, each pir has its own unique structures and features. However, there are certain traits which many pirs possess such as an altar-like structure used to house atar or sacred fires. In mountain pirs, shrines often take the form of a large stone or solid piece of rock.[6] Many of the larger shrines are located near a natural water source, the water of which may be considered sacred as well.[7] Often, plane trees or cypresses[8] can be found in or near the pir. To these trees are sometimes tied wish-ribbons, a form of decorative, occasionally highly complex, textile garlands.

Modern Practices

Traditionally, pilgrims would spend three days at pirs before departing;[1] however, in modern times this practice has declined.[9] The only exception to this is in Pir-e Sabz, where it is still common for worshippers to remain near the site from June 15 to 18, the traditional dates of pilgrimage.[9] In Vancouver, the Zoroastrian community annually gathers in a specific spot in the mountains on June 13 and practices the rituals and traditions that they would be enacting were they able to travel to Pir-e Sabz itself.[10] This community has observed the pilgrimage days in this manner since 1999.[9]

gollark: I sell *helpful* potatoes.
gollark: QUITE EASILY
gollark: You can borrow some of my turtles for 10KST/hour.
gollark: *IS HOLDING SHIFT RATHER THAN CAPSLOCK*(technically)
gollark: I just checked this, and it seems oddly active.

See also

References
  1. Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla (2000). "Guide to Zarthoshtrian historical places in Iran." University of Michigan Press. LCCN 2005388611 pg. 164
  2. http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/zoroastrian.htm
  3. Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla (2000). "Guide to Zarthoshtrian historical places in Iran." University of Michigan Press. LCCN 2005388611 pg. 47
  4. http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Firuzabad/Firuzabad00.htm
  5. G. Gropp, "Die rezenten Feuertempel der Zarathustrier (II)", Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran N.F.4, 1971 pp. 263-288 (German)
  6. Strausberg, Michael. (2004). Zoroastrian rituals in context. New York: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-13131-6 pg. 575
  7. http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Pir-e-Sabz/Pir-e-Sabz-3.htm
  8. http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Pir-e-Sabz/Pir-e-Sabz-7.htm
  9. Strausberg, Michael. (2004). Zoroastrian rituals in context. New York: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-13131-6 pg. 591
  10. http://www.zoroastriannews.com/2009/06/23/american-zoroastrians-paid-respect-to-pire-sabz/
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