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Back to archives The world-vision of our ancestors had recognised the importance of love, kindness and friendship as major factors in strengthening the principles of the Iranian culture � Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. Hence the word �Mehr� - Persian for love, kindness as well as light and the sun, was given a unique importance. In the ancient Iranian calendar, the festival of Mehregan commenced on 16th and ended on 21st Mehr. During the six days of celebration, music, joy and happiness filled the air. Like Norooz people visited friends and family and gave presents to one another. Similar to Haft Sin of Norooz, Mehregan had its own sofreh/arrangements. It was decorated with a variety of fruits and herbs. Lemons, pomegranates, white grapes, tarragon and mint were placed around a mirror, an Avesta and a Farvahar, adorning the room. Special bread of seven grains from wheat, barley, corn, rice, beans, lentils and millet was made, while the incense and dried herbs were burnt in braziers. The sun and fire have been symbols of warmth and power since the advent of Mithraism in Iran. On Mehregan people from every corner of our land would have visited fire temples which were guarding the sacred flames of Iran. Herman Hess, the German writer and researcher described the entire scene at a Mehregan ceremony; �At midnight by the temple�s scared fire, men approached the women and they danced and sang the Mehregan songs, hand in hand. That night the sound of life and music had filled the air with the warmth and scents of the burning fire. On that moment I wished that this festivity could have lasted for years where I could just stand in a corner and be a silent observer.� Mehregan has also been a harvesting celebration for all Iranian farmers and villagers. Coming at the beginning of autumn, farmers have harvested their fields will sit back, relax and enjoy the fruit of their hard work. The sacred flames of Iran have been burning for thousands of years. No enemy has ever managed to destroy our culture. All invaders, from Alexander the cursed to the current Islamic fanatics have eventually melted and vanished in the burning fires of Iran. Our culture and civilization will triumph. Lighthouse would like to take this opportunity and to wish all Iranians the best in life on this special day of Mehregan. May Ahura Mazda be with you all. Extracts from Dr. Khosro Khazai�s (Pardis) The book of Existence � Hastinaameh |
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