Week 3: My Icon

Farvahar is best known by being the most important symbol of Zoroastrianism, the state religion of ancient Iran. This religious/cultural symbol represents the Iranian nation. Even though our country was conquered by Islamic religion, this icon is a reminder of true Iranian culture. The person inside the ring was believed to be the guardian angel. Starting from 20^th century, it has been promoted that anyone can become a guardian angel by advocating three principles, which are written on the wall: good thoughts (اندیشه نیک), good words (گفتار نیک) , and good deeds (کردار نیک).      

I chose this symbol because it is a reminder of my purpose in life, which is to live in such a way that my soul moves towards peace. After Islamic Revolution of 1979 in Iran, the Islamic government banned appearance of this symbol in public places because it is provoking the life before the Islamic revolution. Since then, this symbol became a national icon among Iranian people, and it moved away from its religious origin. This icon has been used in many aspects, on posters, painted on the walls, tattooed on body, and in peaceful demonstrations against the Islamic government to show that people still believe in the good life before the revolution and how this unjust government violates their human rights.