What is Faravahar?

The Meaning

The Faravahar is a symbol of great importance in Persian culture and history. It is an ancient Zoroastrian symbol that represents “good thoughts, good words, good deeds” and is a reminder to live a good and virtuous life. The Faravahar is often worn as a symbol of pride and identity by Iranians and Persians and is also commonly seen as a symbol of freedom, independence, and self-determination. It is also believed to be a symbol of the connection between the individual and the divine.

Watch this very educational video to make yourself familiar with this symbol:

Why do many Iranians/Persians wear the Faravahar Symbol?

Wearing the Faravahar pendant is a symbol of my connection to my ancient Persian roots and my devotion to the teachings of Zoroastrianism. It reminds me of the importance of living a righteous life and following the path of truth, good thoughts, and good deeds. The Faravahar represents the divine spark within us all and serves as a reminder that we are all capable of greatness and spiritual enlightenment. When I wear my Faravahar pendant, I feel a sense of protection, guidance, and strength, knowing that I am on the right path toward fulfilling my spiritual purpose.
Wearing this pendant can also serve as a source of protection, as it is believed to ward off negative energy and evil spirits.

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History of Faravahar Symbol

When Zarathustra(Zoroaster) introduced Zoroastrianism as one religion to unite the ancient civilizations of the Persian empire (The part which is called the Middle East today and also some parts of today’s Africas and Asian countries), they already had thousands of years of history of ancient civilizations known to them.
He, and later his followers, to create harmony and peace in the ancient world, merged some known symbols and deities to those nations, such as Anahita, the goddess of the water in Mithraism, and the God Ashur, etc., into the Zoroastrian religion.

Zarathustra

Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, introduced many concepts that have had a profound impact on religions and philosophy. Some of these concepts include the idea of a single, all-powerful God, the importance of moral behaviour and good deeds, and the concept of free will. Zoroaster believed that God had allowed humans to choose between good and evil and that our actions would ultimately determine our fate. He also stressed the importance of truth and honesty and believed that these virtues were essential for leading a good life. Overall, Zoroaster’s teachings have had a lasting influence on many different cultures and continue to be studied and debated to this day.

The Faravahar symbol has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is adopted from other ancient civilizations such as Sumerians, Egyptians, and Assyrians or even earlier ones in the Middle East and Africa. It developed into the current spiritually powerful Faravahar symbol during the Achaemenid dynasty in Persia. The symbol features a majestic winged figure with a human-like upper body and a lower body of intertwined animal figures. Despite debates among scholars and historians about its origins and meaning, the Faravahar remains an important part of Persian identity and history. Overall, it represents a powerful symbol of Persian culture and spirituality, with a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate people across the globe.