History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. II.] NEW VEAR’S DAY. 145

word Paitita, literally signifies “fallen into repentance ;” hence it denotes the day on which one prays to God for absolution from sins committed during the past year. On this day the Zoroastrian rises earlier than usual, makes ablutions, sometimes even undergoes the ceremony of purification called the Nahan ceremony, dresses himself in new clothes and offers prayers imploring the mercy of Ahura Mazda, and beseeching the divine blessing upon himself and his family. He begins his prayers by extolling the powers of God, and then asks forgiveness for his bad actions during the past year, and finally with offerings of sandal-wood he attends the Atash-Behram (the chief fire-temple), and again prays to recover the love and mercy of the Deity, who is ever beneficent towards His faithful creatures. His prayers over, he offers alms to the poor priests and indigent people. The rest of the day is spent in enjoyment with the other members of the family. On this day visits of New Year’s congratulations are paid and received.

Rapithvan.—Originally it was intended to announce the commencement of the summer. but it does not now answer the purpose in consequence of the leap-year not having been taken into account. It is the third day of the first month, and an imposing ceremony is performed in the presence of a large assemblage in the chief fire-temple in honour

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