WHY PARSES DISCOURAGE MIXED MARRIAGESBy Noshir H. Dadrawala
A common question that Parsi youths and sometimes even the parents ask is why Parsis, as a community, are averse to inter-caste or mixed marriages.
This issue can be addressed from three perspectives:
Historical, Religious, and Social.
HISTORICAL:
One of the main causes for the downfall of the once mighty Sasanian Empire in Iran was inter-marriage among members of the Royal family.
After the fall of the Sasanian empire, Parsis migrated to various regions. Most groups that intermarried lost their religious and ethnic identity. The only group that survived was the one that came to Sanjan in Gujarat, because they maintained strict religious boundaries, including marrying only within the fold.
RELIGIOUS:
Marriage from a Zoroastrian point of view is a religious duty and a sacrament, not merely a civil contract. Religious texts such as the Vendidad and the Dinkard proscribe mixed marriages and consider intermarriage as sinful.
SOCIAL:
The Parsi aversion to mixed marriages is not based on racial superiority but on self-preservation. Parsis are custodians of a unique culture and heritage. Intermarriage weakens cultural and religious continuity.
FACTORS THAT PROMOTE INTERMARRIAGES:
Research by Dr. Huzan Davar shows that lack of effort to find Zoroastrian spouses, changing attitudes, westernization, and lack of religious education are major contributors.
MARRIAGE ACCORDING TO ZOROASTRIANISM:
Zoroastrianism recognizes only marriages where both spouses are born Parsi Zoroastrians and profess the Mazdayasni faith. Such a marriage is a sacrament performed by a qualified Parsi priest.
THE SHAHNAMEH ON MIXED MARRIAGES:
The Shahnameh of Firdaosi emphasizes preservation of Iranian lineage and discourages intermarriage with non-Iranians.
THE ASHIRWAD CEREMONY:
Ashirwad is a sacred religious rite that spiritually binds a Zoroastrian couple. Any other form of marriage is invalid from a religious perspective.
THE SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT, 1954:
The Act provides a civil framework for marriage but does not compel religious recognition of mixed marriages.
THE RIGHTS OF INTERMARRIED ZOROASTRIANS:
Institutions meant for Parsi Zoroastrians are not obligated to extend religious or communal rights to non-Parsi spouses or their children.