Zoroastrian Congress
6 Aug
I am unique in an odd way.
I was born into a culture/religion called Zoroastrianism.
It’s roughly the same as all the other religions…and it’s main tenants are:
Good thoughts, Good words, Good deeds.
It’s a rather simple and elegant motto.
If I ever form a huge company one day, that’s what the motto will be.
But what makes Zoroastrianism really unique is the small number of us.
There’s a bazillion estimates…but from what I gather there’s about 100,000 in the world.
About 75,000 of those are Parsi Zoroastrian (A Zoroastrian from India or Pakistan). My parents are from India, so I am “Parsi”.
About 25,000 of the total population are Zoroastrians from Iran. They speak a different language, practice the religion differently, look different, and most importantly…..eat different foods (GASP!).
Needless to say those two groups don’t get along as well because of all these cultural barriers.
MARRIAGE:
The most common question I get is, “SO do you HHAAVVEE to marry a Parsi girl?”
Since I have smart parents, they’ve never forced this decision on me.
However for myself it’s a strong preference. Not set in stone….yet a strong preference.
I sometimes joke there’s literally less than 20 girls in the world this might be possible with. And I’m kind of not kidding. Let’s do the rough math:
- Total Zoroastrians = 100,000
- -25,000 Iranians = 75,000
- -half the population are women = 37,500
- -80% of the population out of my age range = 7,500
- -90% of the population I will not meet in any significant degree = 750
- -50% of the population that will just be unable to form a relationship = 375
- -80% of the population who won’t like me “like that” = 75
- -80% of the population who I won’t like “like that” = 15
Now I’m not sure EXACTLY how accurate these numbers are…..but the point is I literally can whittle this number down to something almost countable on my fingers.
This seems like a depressing fact to some people, but I think it’s actually pretty damn cool!
You see, there’s a Yin and Yang to EVERYTHING.
“Regular white people” might have two billion+ options….whereas I (presuming I’m only looking for a Parsi female) have few.
The “Regular White Guy” will have his unique set of problems, and I will have my own unique set.
STRONG BOND.
One of the things I really enjoy about coming from such a small group is the extremely strong bond you form with someone….even after meeting them once.
You just KNOW that in some capacity this person will remain in your life.
I have friends I consider to be extremely close….that I’ve met 3 times in my life. Â It’s a bit hard to explain, but it’s very true.
If you meet a random person on the road, it’s statistically unlikely that interaction will lead to anything much more.
Meeting a random Parsi person on the road has a MUCH higher chance of leading to something deeper.
KNOWING WHERE YOU COME FROM:
I’ve started to see a lot of friends around me try to figure out “where they fit in with the world”. Â For a lot of people it’s a tough question.
I’m fortunate to come from such a small community that I kind of know where I fit in.
I was born/raised in Houston.
I am a Parsi Zoroastrian.
Simply knowing my “home” makes a HUGE difference.
ZOROASTRIAN CONGRESS:
Now since our numbers are so small, and since we’re all spread out…..there are these things called “Zoroastrian Congresses” where (Zoroastrian) people from around the world come and meetup.
It’s kind of like any conference:
- There’s some sort of hotel-like venue to hold meetings and speeches.
- There’s living accommodations nearby.
- People fly in for a few days, learn stuff, hangout, and meet new people.
Marketing & Business conference are fun, and I come out with lots of new knowledge and connections.
However when I leave these Zoroastrian conferences, I come out emotionally sad & happy at the same time.
I’m happy because I met all these new people, and got to see old friends again.
I’m sad because I have to leave.
Not to mention sheer exhaustion from hanging out with friends till late-night….then waking up early in the morning several days on end.
It’s a unique feeling I get when leaving these……I call it “Congress Withdrawls”. Â Â
One time as I was leaving a congress…..we got this picture at the end of a congress at the airport terminal with a friend. Â It sums it all up for me:
Real cute…
Yes, it is :)
I concur. Nice post Neville!
Thanks man!
I wish I could figure out what the hell I am and where I came from. lol. I find that very cool and interesting….Good to learn a little about your background.
It’s a nice thing to know.
….and if you don’t, something fun to find out.
Glad you learned something!
Hit the nail bang on. I know what you mean about the ‘congress withdrawals’. I also agree with you about the bonds that are made with other Zoroastrians are much stronger and happen more quickly than most.
The pic is great. Looks like Vancouver. The ‘Tim Hortons’ cup was NOT a giveaway!
HAHAH!! You’re like an detective!
It was Vancouver…and that picture definitely defines “Congress Withdrawls” for me.
Glad you had a great time there Cumby!
Wait a minute…you were in Vancouver?
I understand what you mean having Indian parents as well. Lol do you have the marriage pressure though so they can have grand kids though?
I’m 29, so not too much yet. However I imagine a direct correlation between Increasing Age and Marriage Pressure will exist :-)
Nice post. My best friends always had “Persian New Year” growing up, complete with a goldfish. I didn’t know until I took a world religions class in college that they were part of such a tiny group of people :)
Yup….very very small!
Whether you are 16, 30, or 50 all of the feelings are exactly the same during/after the congress for everyone. This article is extremely well written! I found it by searching “Zoroastrian” on twitter :)
Thanks! They are definitely fun times and fond memories :-)
I can see from the picture that the convention was held in Canada… juging by the Bell phones behinf and the… Tim Hortons coffee on the table…
Just a thought. :-)
Yup, that picture was taken in Vancouver!
Its funny, when I first started reading I thought, this is silly I’m from a small culture as well, but its never been my prerogative to be with someone from that culture (it is a European culture so not too different from other Euro ones), I always thaught its more exciting to be with someone who has a difrent outlook.
Until recently as of 3-4 years ago, I’ve gotten into a Paleo and fitness lifestyle change, and I’m getting the exact same outlook on life as you mentioned above, although I am seeing people who flow standard nutrition, I cannot see myself staying with them unless they follow my new lifestyle, as I believe it is healthier and I want my future children to be as healthy as possible, even though I am not even thinking about children at all.
Its funny, eventually I see myself settling for someone that follows my values.
Yeah, kinda the same feeling you get when you meet someone with the same values. They just “get you” a lot quicker.
Now imagine if all those people knew each others families, and parents were friends etc!
Sweet pic. Glad you enjoy the Congresses. I have close friends who really hated going to those things coz their parents forced them to. Looks like the whole reverse psychology thing clearly works wonders.
Also agree it’s important to be with someone who “gets you”. I met my husband towards the end of high school, and while that notion seems quaint to most people, it’s just been a whole other level of knowing someone.
Hey Insiya!
I was never forced….and they were so fun, why WOULDN’T I wanna go.
Definitely seems to be better for the long-run when someone completely “Get you” and your culture.
Very good post my best friends always had “Persian New Year” growing up, complete with a goldfish. I didn’t know until I took a world religions class in college that they were part of such a tiny group of people,thanks for.Advertise Business Online
Thanks for I wish I could figure out what the hell I am and where I came from. lol. I find that very cool and interesting….Good to learn a little about your background.Advertise Business Online