10 Most Popular Ancient Persian Symbols And Their Meanings

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Persia, an ancient land in Western Asia, in the historic region where modern Iran is today, was inhabited by ancient people who were very much into symbols and mythology.

A number of ancient Persian symbols have survived and can be seen today in ancient lithographic scriptures. These symbols are mystical and have succeeded to keep hold of their legacy even in modern times.

Here is our list of 10 ancient Persian symbols that have remained quite popular over the years.

10 Most Popular Ancient Persian Symbols And Their Meanings

1. Fire

Fire is an important symbol of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion that is supposed to have originated some 4,000 years ago. Fire is believed to possess the power of purification and is representative of warmth and light.

Zoroastrian temples are sometimes called fire temples. At the altar of every fire temple there is an eternal flame that burns continuously and is never extinguished.

There is a legend that tells of three ancient fire temples known as the great fires that supposedly came directly from the Zoroastrian god, Ahura Mazda. However, archaeologists could not find evidence to the existence of these great fires.

2. Farre Kiyâni

The Farre Kiyâni, also called the Faravahar or the Foruhar, is one of the best-known and most used Zoroastrian symbols.

Although the Farre Kiyâni is traditionally religious in nature, it has become a secular and cultural symbol for Iranians, who often wear it as a pendant.

Various interpretations of the Farre Kiyâni symbolism exist, but there is no concrete universal consensus on its actual meaning. However, the common belief is that the symbol serves as a depiction of the personal spirit – or the fravashi – in the Zoroastrian religion.

3.  Shabaz (Royal Falcon)

The Persian word Shahbaz literally means “royal falcon.” Keeping a royal falcon (or any similar bird) was standard practice for the Persian Shah. Shabaz, for them, was a symbol of strength and aggressiveness.

In Persian mythology, Shahbaz is the name of a fabled bird that is described as being bigger than a hawk or a falcon and having an eagle-like body.

However, in a much more ancient mythology, Shahbaz was a god who helped the Persian peoples and guided the Farre Kiyâni (Faravahar) to the Persian lands.

4. Anahita (Water Goddess of Persia)

Anahita is the Persian goddess of water, hence associated with fertility as well as royalty, healing, and wisdom. Ironically, Anahita is also the war goddess of Persia.

Anahita’s full name, Aredvi Sura Anahita, means “damp, strong, untainted.” She is described as a tall and dazzling woman – pure, powerful, and free. She is often depicted holding the sacred barsom twigs, crowned with golden stars, clad in a flowing robe, and wearing a golden necklace.

5. Lion and Sun

The Lion and Sun is among the most important Persian symbols. It is one of the main Iranian emblems and was even part of the national flag of Iran until 1979. Today, the Lion and Sun symbol is still commonly used by groups that are against the Islamic Republic government.

The Lion and Sun symbol features a lion holding a sword in one paw with sunrays behind it. This icon holds multiple historical meanings, having been modified several times. However, in ancient Persia, the Lion and Sun was symbolic of kingship and divine power.

Some also interpret the Lion to be a symbol for the legendary hero of Persian mythology – Rostam. The Sun, on the other hand, has been interpreted as a symbol of motherland or the mythical Shah of Iran called Jamshid.

6. Homa (Bird of Paradise)

The Homa, or Huma, is another mythical bird of Persia that is said to never rest on the ground and instead lives its whole life flying invisibly in the skies. Some legends claim that the Homa is without legs.

The Homa is popularly referred to as a bird of paradise. Its name means “the fabulous bird”  in Arabic.

The Homa symbol has been featured on many flags and banners through the ages. Today, the Persian acronym for the Iran National Airline is HOMA and its emblem is actually a stylized version of the Homa symbol.

The Homa bird is described as being like the phoenix and another Persian mythical bird – the simurg – in a way that it consumes itself in fire after living for hundreds of years, only to rise from the ashes and live again. It cannot be caught; however, a glimpse of even the shadow of the Homa is believed to bring you happiness for as long as you live.

While the Homa is immortal, it is said that if you manage to kill this mythical bird somehow, you are doomed to die within 40 days. However, if the Homa perches on your head, you are bound to rule a kingdom!

7. Simurg

The term simurg comes from the phrase “sī murğ,” which, in Persian, means “thirty birds.” It can be spelled various ways: simurgh, simorg, simorgh, simoorg, simourv, or simorq.

The simurg is found in Persian art and literature of all periods. It is depicted as a gigantic creature which is sometimes a dog-headed peacock with copper-colored feathers and a lion’s claws. Sometimes it appears with a human face.

The simurg is a gentle creature despite the massive size. In some accounts, it appears as a female that suckles her young. This mythical creature lives in a place with plenty of water.

Being very old and having survived through the ages, the simurg is said to symbolize miraculous life. Akin to the mythological phoenix, the simurg dies and bursts into flame before coming back to life from the ashes, hence symbolizing rebirth and overcoming adversity.

8. Fereydun

Said to be partially a reflection of Cyrus II of Persia, Fereydun is an Iranian mythical king and hero who also goes by the name of Thraetaona. He is known to symbolize victory, justice, and generosity in Persian literature.

In Firdausi’s Shahnameh, Fereydun was a descendant of Jamšid, fourth Shah of the mythological Pishdadian dynasty of Persia. Fereydun rebelled against his tyrannical king. After defeating the king, Fereydun assumed the throne and ruled the country for about half a century. His three sons inherited his kingdom upon his death.

9. Cypress Tree

The evergreen cypress tree is a common art motif in Western Asia, depicted as a variation of the Tree of Life which symbolizes eternal life.

The cypress tree symbol has ancient roots, beginning with the Sassanian culture in around 224-651 CE. The Sassanian people were the inhabitants of the land that would later become Persia, or the modern-day Iran.

The cypress is the most popular tree featured in Persian gardens. It is one of the prettiest and most common motifs seen in Persian rugs as well.

While the cypress is used in burial rituals, this evergreen tree is meant to symbolize the everlasting life that comes after death.

10. Boteh Jeghe (Persian Paisley)

The boteh jeghe is a popular ornamental textile pattern with the shape of a droplet or a seed having a curved upper end. It is one of the most unique exports from Iran.

Boteh, or buta, is a Persian word meaning bush, shrub, bramble, or herb. Boteh jeghe symbolizes the seed palm, thus fertility. It is said to be a stylized representation of a cypress tree, which is the Zoroastrian symbol of everlasting life.