ZOROASTRIANISM Definition & Meaning

Zoroastrianism

[ zawr-oh-as-tree-uh-niz-uhm, zohr- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an Iranian religion, founded c600 b.c. by Zoroaster, the principal beliefs of which are in the existence of a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, and in a cosmic struggle between a spirit of good, Spenta Mainyu, and a spirit of evil, Angra Mainyu.

Zoroastrianism

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noun

the dualistic religion founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster in the late 7th or early 6th centuries bc and set forth in the sacred writings of the Zend-Avesta. It is based on the concept of a continuous struggle between Ormazd (or Ahura Mazda), the god of creation, light, and goodness, and his arch enemy, Ahriman, the spirit of evil and darkness, and it includes a highly developed ethical code Also calledMazdaism

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of Zoroastrianism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; Zoroastrian + -ism

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that predates Christianity and Islam.

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The festival—a mainstay since Zoroastrianism was Iran’s dominant religion—traditionally honors the birth of Mithra, the ancient Persian goddess of light.

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This week’s speakers and presenters will represent Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, paganism and other beliefs.

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Held every spring, it’s an ancient festival with roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s first monotheistic religions, believed to have originated in Persia some 2,500 years ago.

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The center and the city host a rotating display of information on different religions — for July, it’s Zoroastrianism — in the skylit atrium of City Hall.

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