Dietary Restrictions in Zoroastrianism: Traditions and Practices

Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions, has a rich history and a distinctive set of religious beliefs and practices. One prominent aspect of Zoroastrianism is its dietary restrictions, which are deeply rooted in the principles of purity, sanctity, and compassion for all living beings. These restrictions reflect the religion's emphasis on the moral and ethical treatment of animals and the physical and spiritual well-being of its adherents.

Forbidden Foods

Zoroastrians follow a strict regimen of dietary restrictions that date back to ancient times. Among the foods most strictly forbidden are the flesh of certain animals considered too similar to humans. These include:

Flesh of humans and monkeys The flesh of dogs The flesh of otters The flesh of foxes Flesh of reptiles, amphibians, insects, parasites, worms, scorpions Crustaceans Rats and other carnivorous animals The flesh of vultures, ravens, and owls

Allowed Consumables and Practices

While certain meats are forbidden, Zoroastrianism allows the consumption of vegetarian foods and milk products. Ancients Zoroastrians adhered to a more flexible diet, with meat being reserved for special occasions or sacrificial rituals. The preference for vegetarianism is deeply ingrained in the religion, as evidenced by the emphasis on the harmlessness and purity of food:

The food that is in accordance with the requirements of the body consists of vegetables and edible fruits. In the great religious ceremonies, i.e. of the Jashans and the Gahambars, the flesh of five species of domestic animals is allowed as food. As regards the use of birds as food, the flesh of the three species—vultures, dark ravens, and owls—is forbidden. Moreover, the food that is innocuous to the body and is the promoter of morals is the harmless one consisting of the pure milk of the female domestic animals… the food prepared from men, dogs, animals of the fox species and other carcasses and from unclean animals is poisonous and generates wickedness. Denkard 5

Compassion and Minimal Suffering

A key principle in Zoroastrian dietary practices is the minimization of animal suffering. This is based on the belief that it is wrong to slaughter a young animal which has not yet reached maturity. According to traditional Zoroastrianism, one is allowed to eat flesh from rams or hens but not from lambs or chicks:

Let no one kill a calf or a sheep which is a lamb nor any sheep that is young for it will be useful in the world. Zartushtnameh 29

Moreover, under Zoroastrian law, only animals that are sacrificed as part of a religious ceremony can be slaughtered. This practice not only ensures the religious sanctity of the meat but also minimizes the suffering of the animals:

The young animals as lambs, young goats, kids, and calves were not admissible [according to the Zoroastrian religious law Tkaesha]… Sacrifice was not an extraordinary ritual but the only lawful mode for slaughtering animals. The consumption of meat was therefore inseparable from the performance of sacrifice. The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Zoroastrianism p. 365

Preventing Pollution

To ensure the purity and sanctity of the food, Zoroastrians also have traditions in place to prevent pollution. This includes using purified dishes and not consuming food prepared by those who do not observe the Zoroastrian purity laws. This further emphasizes their commitment to maintaining a high level of spiritual purity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zoroastrian dietary restrictions and practices reflect a deep commitment to ethical living, compassion for animals, and the maintenance of spiritual purity. Through these restrictions, Zoroastrians seek to avoid harm and promote moral and ethically sound practices. Whether through the consumption of pure foods or the careful performance of sacrificial rituals, these practices underscore the core values of Zoroastrianism.