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

146 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [cuap. 1.

of the archangel Ardibehesht Ameshaspend, who presides over light and fire.

Khordad -Sal.—This festival is celebrated in commemoration of several important sacred events which occurred on the day of Khordad in the month of Fravardin, and which are given in detail in a short Pehlevi tract called Madegane Binae-Fravardin Yome-Khordad. It is observed as a holiday in honour of the revelation of Ahura Mazda to Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) and of the anniversary of the birth of that Prophet. Religious ceremonies are performed in the morning and at midnight. The rest of the day is passed in feasting and enjoyment. Khordad is an archangel presiding over water, vegetation, and all kinds of fruit.

Amerdad-Sal.—This is a day on which the Parsis seek enjoyment after the ten days of the Muktad, and when their religious observances are over. The sacred books attach no particular importance to this festival. It is a day which has been added to the Khordad-Sal by holiday-makers.

Mediozarem.—According to the Zoroastrian relgion, the world was created in three hundred and sixty-five days, at six unequal intervals. At the end of each of these there was a day of rest. These intervals are called Gahambars, which fall six times in a year. On these occasions the Parsis follow the custom of

the ancient Persians, who in their time gathered to-