PAGE 18, WH1TBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4,1989ý Rarme ýreligi ons cerernonyitný Zoroastriarnsm By Mike Johnston' A rare religious ceremony took place at Heydenshore Pavilion recently when a nine-year-old Whitby boy was admitted to the Zoroastrianism religion. There are only 150,000 practis- ing Zoroastrians in the world, 2,000 in the Metropolitan Toronto area, says Fred Mirza, whose son Farzad was inducted into the religion in a 45-minute ceremony. About 75,000 Zoroastrians live in Bombay, India. Zoroastrians believe in the per- fc..rance of good deeds and* fIghting evil, and the ceremony FARZAD NMRA repeats performing priest Kobad leydenshore Pavilion to Zoroastrianism religion. reflects those belieëfs. First, the inductee receives a ceremonial bath in preparation for the ceremony, which takes place before invited guests. During the ceremony, known as Navzot, Farzad removes his shirt and, in its place, puts on a white linen shirt known as a Sadra. Mirza explains that the white color indicates cleanliness and purity, the front of the shirt represents the past, and the back the future, which is unknown. The Sadra- must be. worn throughout the life of a Zoroas- trian, removed only when taking a bath or shower. prayers read to him by Zarolia at a ceremony at welcome Farzad into the The secondI symbol of induction into the religion is the Kusti a band compooed of 72 woolen threads, whiéh is wrapped three thnes around' the waist.' The number three represents "good.,thoughts, good words and good deeds" which are the essence of the life of a Zoroas- trian. The Kusti'must also be worn throughout a Zoroastrian's life. A number of items were placed beside Farzad during the cere- mony to reflect. the goodness of life, while ai coconut is circled around his head seven times, also as a sign of goodness. "After the ceremony it's just like a party. We drink and have a good time,» says Mirza. As the oni amily in Whitby that i*actisès Zoroastrianism, Mirza feels it may be the only time the ceremony will be perfor- med in WNhitby. The family had no trouble booking HeYdenshore, after explaining why it was needed. floweyer thé faxnily was flot allowed to light a ritual fire that usually accompanies the cere- mony. Zoroastrianism was founded in 1500 BC in Iran by the prophiet Zarathustra, more familiarly known by the Greek form of his namne, Zoroaster, who -proclaimed Ahura Mazda as the supreme God. The Avesta id the sacred book of Zoroastrians, and according to Mirza, prayers are recitedfýivc times a day. -P-RIESr KOBAD Zarolia "shows Farzad Mirza how to tie the Ku.,.ti which he will wear for the rest of his life. The smois p art, of Farzad's entrance into the Zoroas- ~raimreligion. NUMEROUS ÀARTICLES representing denshore Pavilion to welcome him into goodness in the world surround Far- the Farzad religion. zad Mirza during a oeremony at Hey- Conferenoe to address needs of developmentally handicapped A community conférence, 'Today a Vision, Tomorrow a Reality,' will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eastdale Colegiate, Oshawa. T'he conférence is sponsored by the Oshawa and District Associa- tionfor Community Living; Ajax, Pickering and Whitby Associa- tion for Community Living, and Central Seven Association for Community Living. Guest speakers are Dr. Lou Brown, professor of rehabilita- tive psychology and special edu- cation at the University of Wis- consin; George Flynn, director of education for the Waterloo Separate School Board; Linda Till, consultant for the Ontario Association for Community Liv- i n g. Brown, internationally recog- nized as an innovator in the development of creative options for persons with severe, develoD- mental handicaps, will discuss 'Work-Creative Options.' Flynn, recognized as a leader in enabling schools to support all children regardless of their needs, will speak about 'Creating an Inclusive School Community. Till, who has helped to estabi- ish support organizations which foster issues related to children with severe and multiple disabi- lities will make a presentation entitled 'Star Light, Star Bright, First Star I See Tonight.' For information and regist- ration cail Suzanne Burton at 576-3011. Whitby