The study and examination of rain-seeking rituals in the book "Akhbar al-Balad wa Akhbar al-Ibad."

Document Type : Scientific

Author

Assistant Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Shahid Chamran University Of Ahvaz. Ahvaz. Iran

10.22103/jis.2025.24182.2661

Abstract

Purpose: Rain- seeking rituals in popular belief are associated with the continuity of social life, and since they possess a sacred aspect and are a yearning for life, they must be performed correctly to assist the Angels of Rain and attract their attention. In the book "Athar al-Belad wa Akhbar al-Ibad" authored by Zakariya ibn Muhammad Qazwini (605-682 AH), various instances of these rituals are mentioned, which are recorded not only in Iran and among Muslims but also in different cultures and nations. These rituals include: : Rain- seeking from rain-bringing stones, praying for rain, seeking help from sacred individuals or places, performing ritual dances and music to request rain, and sacrificing (a horse) for rain- seeking.



Method : This research relies on "Athar al-Belad wa Akhbar al-Ibad" and employs a descriptive and content analysis method to identify the aforementioned Rain- seeking rituals in older sources, demonstrate similar examples throughout history up to the present day, and discuss some mythological or symbolic aspects within them by examining their cultural background.



Findings : "Athar al-Belad wa Akhbar al-Ibad" is noteworthy in terms of mentioning rituals related to popular culture (such as rain - seeking rituals). These rain - seeking rituals, which often exhibit geographical dispersion (among various cultures and nations), have a long history and continue to this day. They can be considered as foundational elements with mythological/symbolic aspects rooted in the animistic perception of nature. The original practitioners believed that by symbolically imitating natural phenomena and offering needs and gifts,

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