Karaka, Dosabhai Framji: History of the Parsis: including their manners, customs, religion and present position ; in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1884)

chap, iv.] REMEMBERING THE DEAD.

213

as possible, in order that the memory of the dead
may be revered, and that the living may be able to
pray for their dead relatives in an earnest, quiet, and
composed frame of mind.

Fruit and flowers are essential in most of the Parsi
ceremonies for either the dead or the living. The
practice of performing ceremonies and saying prayers
for the dead is much insisted upon among the Parsis.
It is also affirmed in Pehlevi books that the souls of
the dead are extremely gratified and pleased in heaven
at seeing; that the dear ones on this earth have not
forgotten them, and that their memory is preserved
in the minds of their relations. To the living also
the ceremonies are a matter of consolation, inas-
much as they constantly recall to them those to whom
they were joined by worldly ties of love and affection.
They also have the effect of bringing before us our
transient life, and the unseen world to which we are
all hastening, and where many of those near and dear
to us and for whom we pray have gone before.

During the days we have referred to, the living
engage in prayer to Almighty God, especially in recit-
ing the " patet," or prayer of repentance, beseeching
Him to forgive their past sins, and soliciting His
guidance and support in the paths of piety and virtue
in the year to come.