Zoroastrianism

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

noun

1. 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

/ ˌzɒrəʊˈæstrɪənˌɪzəm /

noun

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zoroastrianism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; Zoroastrian + -ism

Example Sentences

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that predates Christianity and Islam.

From Seattle Times

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

From National Geographic

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

From Seattle Times

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From Seattle Times