Take this We Go On Quiz! Average Trivia | World Religions

Answer: Zarathustra

The founder of Zoroastrianism is known as Zoroaster from the Greek, or Zarathustra from the Avestan, which is an old Iranian language. Although historians do not agree on the exact time in which Zarathustra lived, it is known that by the six or seventh centuries BC the ancient Persians under Cyrus the Great had adopted his religion as their state religion.

According to the Gathas, hymns that are believed to have been written by Zarathustra, he became a priest when he was about fifteen years old, after approximately eight years of training. When he was thirty he received a revelation, which taught him about two primal spirits, the Wise Lord and the Destructive Spirit. After more revelations, Zarathustra decided to share his knowledge with others and became the prophet of Zoroastrianism.

Answer: Asha

Also called the Three Pillars of Zoroastrianism, Asha is represented by the words Humata, Huxta, and Huvarshta, which mean Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. These pillars remind followers how they are to act and live. While they have free will, good actions will bring happiness and rewards, and bad actions lead to unhappiness and punishment. Zoroastrians have a belief in heaven and hell, as well as a Judgement Day.

After death, if a person's good deeds outweigh the bad, they will be able to pass on to heaven.

Answer: Ahura Mazda

In Zoroastrian teaching, Ahura Mazda is the Wise Lord, creator being, and supreme god who taught the prophet the principles of the religion. It is believed that Ahura Mazda needs the assistance of other spirits (angels), as well as humans, to assist him in his fight against evil spirits. Ahura Mazda is believed to be the source of all goodness, and the upholder of order and rightness in the world.

Ahura Mazda was so important that ancient Persian kings requested his presence in battle by providing an empty chariot pulled by white horses. They hoped that he would ride in the chariot to assist them.

Answer: Navjote

Also known as Sedreh-Pushi, Navjote takes place when a child - either a boy or girl - is between the ages of 7-12 and has learned the sacred prayers that are used during the ritual. It is through this ritual that people are initiated into the Zoroastrian religion. The term "Sedreh-Pushi", means "putting on the sedreh", which is a sacred undershirt (for women it is said to be similar to a camisole) that is then worn for the remainder of one's life.

The kushti, or belt, another sacred accessory, is also added to their wardrobe. After a person is initiated, the parents are expected to begin the child's religious training and initiates must learn how to wear the sacred garments. In addition, both the parents and child are now responsible for righteous behavior and must suffer the consequences if a mistake is made.

Answer: Magi

The Magi were originally members of the priestly class of the ancient Medes, who lived in the northwestern part of ancient Persia. After their adoption of the Zoroastrian religion, the Magi continued their religious and funerary duties. The term was first written in the Behistun Inscription, ordered by Darius the Great, that eventually assisted scholars in the translation of cuneiform.

While the word Magi originally meant magician, astrologer, or sorcerer, the group eventually became well known for their wisdom and knowledge. Credited with both spreading Zoroastrianism and modifying some of the beliefs, the Magi played an important role in the formation of the religion. The term Magi is used in the Christian Bible, as it is told that the infant Jesus was visited by the Magi, who brought him gifts.

Answer: Faravahar

Even though Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion, the symbol of the Faravahar dates back even further to ancient Assyria in Mesopotamia. There it was a symbol believed to have been associated with Ashur, who appears to have been a solar deity. The symbol was adopted by the Zoroastrian Persian kings, and even appeared on their tombs and coins.

The Faravahar is associated with personal spirits called fravashi, that serve as guardians to individuals. It is believed that all people are protected by these spirits, that help them fight against the forces of evil while they are both alive and dead. A very important symbol to Zoroastrians, the Faravahar represents different things to different people, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of good conduct.

Answer: Ahriman

In the continuing struggle of good versus evil, the good is represented by Ahura Mazda, while the bad is represented by Angra Mainyu, or Ahriman. While Ahura Mazda had angels to help with its battle, Ahriman had demons. Ahriman, who is viewed as the devil, caused people to make poor choices, and was the force that caused negative emotions like anger and greed.

In the never ending fight between good and evil, Zoroastrians believe that the Wise One will prevail.

Answer: Fire

Zoroastrians do not worship fire, but they do believe that it represents important ideals in their religion. It is not only the symbol of purity (along with clean water), but also represents light. Adherents of the religion worship at fire temples and there are different levels of fire temples, with the Atash Behram being the highest.

The fire at the Atash Behram temple is made from 16 types of fire, including fire from lightning, fire from a baker, and fire from a goldsmith, and is always kept lit. Most of the fire temples that are in existence today are found in either Iran or India, where the ancient religion is still being practiced. Of the 167 fire temples said to be in existence, 9 of them are Atash Behrams.

Answer: Dualism

In Zoroastrianism the two opposing forces of good and evil are recognized in two ways. First, there is a cosmic dualism, which represents good and evil as creative energy and destructive energy in the world. The world that was created was good and pure, however, destructive energy continues to make it impure. Life is viewed as a mixture of these two forces at work. Next, there is the idea of moral dualism, which is represented by the choices that people make.

It is by free will that man chooses to be good or evil, and those choices lead them to heaven or hell.

The purpose of the religion, then, is to guide people toward the correct path by righteous living; followers also believe that evil will ultimately be overcome by good.

Answer: Cypress Tree

Cypress trees are important in Zoroastrianism because of the fact that they are evergreen trees - green and beautiful all the time - even in the winter. In addition they live a long time in comparison to other trees. Cypress branches are burned in Zoroastrian temples, and trees are also planted outside of them in order to provide shade for the graves of those buried nearby. Adherents to the religion believe that cutting down a cypress tree brings bad luck.