There's nothing more entertaining than looking at the history of how something comes about. The Iranian dance is just one of those pieces of history that remain a mystery to outsiders who reside in different parts of the world. Archaeological discoveries that have been made in Iran during the last thirty years have made it possible to find evidence that supports the origin of this special art form.
Iran was a world empire who was dedicated to the blossoming of dance. It was not only recognized as a ritual of religion, but also one of great social importance. However, in 1979, it was banned from the very country who applauded its existence, expansion, and development. It had almost become an omen.
The history of Iran over seven thousand years contains periods of pain and great destruction, but also great triumph. The birth of this spectacular art, also known as the Persian dance, goes hand in hand with the rise of Mithraism. It is a cult that centers around the sun and light god of Perisa known as Mithra, whose worship spread over the entire Roman Empire. Temples of Mithra have been found in the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The Achaemenians, which were the first ruling dynasty of the Persian Empire, always spoke positively in regards to the development of new art forms. Ketzias, who was a famous Greek historian, made mention of Persian performances revolving around the worship of Mithra. These type of performances were often ceremonial, rituals, or part of entertainment. Men would also perform military dances where they would clash weapons and move with their horses.
During this time, the art of dance was protected and well-developed. As a result, many different forms of the art developed such as those with fire, swords, and those with individuals riding on horseback. It became a respected art form that lasted for millenniums. However, it was when the Arabs invaded Iran that things began to change. The new religion that came about prohibited the art, therefore leading to the practical extinction of these traditions of Persia.
The Iranians had experienced so much tragedy along with humiliation in their lives, that when the Persian Empire had fallen, the country was truly torn into shreds. Slavery became a norm for the women and young girls of Iran. They were often made to perform sexual favors and erotic dances for those that were in power. There was one head of state during this time that would have over three thousand dancers under his authority.
Humiliation and dishonor screamed within the shadows of history. This people were slowing losing their culture, and their dignity was becoming non-existent. Iranian men dreaded the thought of their women performing in front of strangers. Muslims from Iran had now lost the respect of the once beautiful art form.
There have been recent developments down through the years of the Iranian dance. Many individuals have devoted their lives into keeping this art form alive. Men are no longer taught this display of creativity, however the women are yet allowed to learn it. This once popular art form will never die, but will continue to grow and blossom through time.
Iran was a world empire who was dedicated to the blossoming of dance. It was not only recognized as a ritual of religion, but also one of great social importance. However, in 1979, it was banned from the very country who applauded its existence, expansion, and development. It had almost become an omen.
The history of Iran over seven thousand years contains periods of pain and great destruction, but also great triumph. The birth of this spectacular art, also known as the Persian dance, goes hand in hand with the rise of Mithraism. It is a cult that centers around the sun and light god of Perisa known as Mithra, whose worship spread over the entire Roman Empire. Temples of Mithra have been found in the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The Achaemenians, which were the first ruling dynasty of the Persian Empire, always spoke positively in regards to the development of new art forms. Ketzias, who was a famous Greek historian, made mention of Persian performances revolving around the worship of Mithra. These type of performances were often ceremonial, rituals, or part of entertainment. Men would also perform military dances where they would clash weapons and move with their horses.
During this time, the art of dance was protected and well-developed. As a result, many different forms of the art developed such as those with fire, swords, and those with individuals riding on horseback. It became a respected art form that lasted for millenniums. However, it was when the Arabs invaded Iran that things began to change. The new religion that came about prohibited the art, therefore leading to the practical extinction of these traditions of Persia.
The Iranians had experienced so much tragedy along with humiliation in their lives, that when the Persian Empire had fallen, the country was truly torn into shreds. Slavery became a norm for the women and young girls of Iran. They were often made to perform sexual favors and erotic dances for those that were in power. There was one head of state during this time that would have over three thousand dancers under his authority.
Humiliation and dishonor screamed within the shadows of history. This people were slowing losing their culture, and their dignity was becoming non-existent. Iranian men dreaded the thought of their women performing in front of strangers. Muslims from Iran had now lost the respect of the once beautiful art form.
There have been recent developments down through the years of the Iranian dance. Many individuals have devoted their lives into keeping this art form alive. Men are no longer taught this display of creativity, however the women are yet allowed to learn it. This once popular art form will never die, but will continue to grow and blossom through time.
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