Nowruz: When Creator and Human United to Defeat Evil

In ancient societies and civilizations, fascinating mythological stories can be found that are often associated with a great catastrophe (a great flood, a massive storm, severe freezing, etc.).

It seems these stories shared a common origin, which, over time, blended with the symbols and values of each culture, evolving into unique myths reflective of the beliefs and worldviews of different civilizations.

We know that all human populations trace back to a common group in Africa, which later migrated to different regions. Among the various species of the genus Homo, Homo sapiens survived. Perhaps these myths stem from a shared human experience, though we lack precise knowledge of the details.

One of the most well-known of such stories is the tale of Noah and the Great Flood.

In ancient Aryan mythology (1), the story of Yima Xšaēta (Jamshid) is reminiscent of the same great flood narrative. Yima Xšaēta saves the creations of Ahura Mazda from a devastating freeze and shelters them in a place called Vara of Jam (Jamkert).

What’s particularly noteworthy are the values and symbols reflected in Iranian myths, which exhibit a distinct humanistic character.

In the Iranian version of the story, respect for human will appears before the great catastrophe. In part of the tale of Yima Xšaēta, when Ahura Mazda asks Yima to teach the religion of Ahura Mazda, Yima replies: “I am not made nor prepared to teach that.” Then Ahura Mazda says, “If you do not accept this, then make my world flourish and guard it.” Yima agrees to be the one who expands and protects the world… (Summary of Vendidad, Fargard 2, sections 3 to 5).

Another important point is that in the Iranian narrative, humans are not portrayed as inherently sinful beings deserving of punishment. Instead, humanity and the creator (Ahura Mazda) are seen as allies who protect the world of existence together.

Thus, even centuries after the advent of Islam, the greatest celebration among Iranians—Nowruz—remained associated with Jamshid and his victory over Evil (Ahriman). In al-Āthār al-bāqiyah, Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī notes that after Jamshid’s triumph over Evil (Ahriman), freshness and greenery returned to the world, and people called that time the "New Day" (Nowruz). He further reports that ever since that time, Iranians have planted seven types of vegetation in seven containers on Nowruz (2).

The custom of Haft Sīn (the seven-symbol table) also traces its origin back to those seven types of planted vegetation and remains a widespread tradition among Iranians today.

Overall, it can be said that in Iranian mythology, not only does the great creator not punish humankind, but Evil (Ahriman) and his dark symbols cannot endure the unity of the wise creator (Ahura Mazda) and the wise creation (humans) and are ultimately defeated. Humanity, as the guardian of existence, commemorates that great victory each year through the grand celebration of Nowruz.