| Menu | Mitravian Festivals | 4017.04 |
|
Mitravian Festivals Candelakana - 2nd Feb (Candlemas) This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. In pre-Christian times, this day was known as the 'Feast of Lights' and celebrated the increased strength of the life-giving sun as winter gave way to spring. Novalux - 21st March (also Nowruz) - spring equinox - beginning of spring - 'New Light' Zartonatus - 26 March (Natus Zarti) - birthday of Zarathustra - celebrate wisdom and enlightenment Maiakana - may 1st (Maidyozarem (mid-spring)) - fertility, prosperity, burgeoning new life - Robinus : a lusty and lawless male figure - Maia : a goddess of growth Tirikana - 21st June (Tishtrya Kana, Tirgan) - water festival - celebration of defeat of drought by life-giving rain - ?celebrate physical strength and prowess - ?celebrate Anahita as goddess of the waters? Mithrakana - 21st September (Mehregan, Michaelmas) - Festival of Mithra - Harvest Festival - Thanksgiving - End of summer Mortuorum - November 1st (or 'Festus Mortuorum') - Feast of the Dead - "All Souls Day" - celebrate the spirits of the departed - invite them to feast with you Atarkana - November 5th - Fire Festival - celebration of freedom - story of the blacksmith Kavey, the good prince Freydon and the white wizard Albomagus in overcoming the evil tyrant Azidak Yalda - 21st dec to 1st jan (12 days) after nightfall on 21st dec - death of Mithra followed by three days of fasting until after nightfall on 24th dec - 'Mithraic Breakfast' (in English language at least) expectation of rebirth celebration 25th december (after sunrise) - birth of Mithra - called ZAYESH MEHR or ZAYSHMIR by Iranians Not officially part of the religion but we may also celebrate: Cyrus Day - 29th October This version September 4016 updated April 4017 |