In ancient Iran, joy and laughter were seen as essential for nurturing both body and mind. The Iranian messenger, Ashu Zarathushtra, emphasized on the importance of happiness and joy. The Avesta states:
“First the body, then the soul; first this world, then the next.”
This suggests that a healthy and strong body leads to a healthier and more resilient soul. In other words, a person can only uphold truth when they are strong, as weakness and helplessness may compel them to resort to falsehood.
A passage from the Avesta, known as “prayers for eating”, reads:
“We praise Ahura Mazda, who created the Earth, the skies, waters and plants, so that all beings in this world may live in joy and prosperity.”
Dariush the Great echoed this very sentiment in his inscriptions, stating:
“We praise Ahura Mazda, who created the earth, the sky, and joy for the people.”
The inscription is about wisdom and knowledge, asserting that only a person with wisdom and knowledge can find the righty path in difficult situations. They dedicated a tenth of their net earnings to the less fortunate and held grand celebrations such as Gahanbars, Nowruz, Mehrgan, Sadeh, and the twelve annual festivals. These joyous occasions not only promoted physical and mental well-being but also strengthened social bonds and unity.
Throughout history, people have upheld natural and humane traditions while leaving behind misguided customs. Below is an excerpt from the writings of the late Mobed Rostam Shahzadi, titled “Festivities and Joy in Ancient Iran,” which explores the importance of celebrations and happiness in ancient Iranian culture.
In ancient Iran, laughter and joy were regarded as essential for both physical and mental well-being. A well-known Western physician once stated that to maintain good health, a person should laugh at least twenty times a day. This is because laughter increases oxygen intake, improves blood circulation, and helps cleanse the body of toxins. It also induces perspiration, stimulates digestion, and strengthens facial muscles, enhancing both appearance and expression. Furthermore, laughter reduces wrinkles, diminishes signs of stress and exhaustion, and revitalizes the skin.
Additionally, because laughter causes the lungs to expand and contract more than usual, it allows fresh air to reach deeper parts of the respiratory system, helping to eliminate bacteria and improve lung function.
Research has repeatedly shown that individuals who breathe more deeply and exchange air more efficiently tend to be healthier and live longer. For example, it is said that among animals, cows have longer lifespans due to their deep breathing, whereas horses, which take shallower breaths, tend to have shorter lifespans.
Children and young people, enriched by laughter, joy, and play, grow stronger both physically and mentally. However, as they reach adulthood and take on the responsibilities of marriage and livelihood, their focus shifts toward work and financial obligations. With less time for leisure and happiness, their physical strength gradually diminishes, leading to a quicker decline in both body and mind, resulting in premature aging and weakness.
The ancient Iranians were well aware of this reality. The Iranian messenger, Ashu Zarathushtra, highly encouraged joy and happiness, emphasizing: “First the body, then the soul; first this world, then the next.” This means that if one seeks a healthy mind and spirit, they must first ensure the well-being of their body. A strong and healthy body provides the foundation for a more resilient and empowered soul.
With this understanding, our wise ancestors, after continuous effort in trade, agriculture, and animal husbandry, would celebrate their hard-earned success through joy and festivities. By dedicating a tenth of their income to the less fortunate, they upheld values of generosity and hosted celebrations such as the Gahanbars, Nowruz, Mehrgan, Sadeh, and the twelve annual festivals. These gatherings not only revitalized their body and spirit after hard work but also strengthened social bonds and enriched their collective well-being.
Written by Mobed Rostam Shahzadi
