IRANIAN (Based on the presentation of Nazarine Farr)


History and culture. It is important to keep in mind that Persia (Iran) is an ancient cul- ture that goes back to 2000 BC. In the ancient times, for hundreds of years Persia was the most powerful regime and ruled most of the known world. Science, the arts (including poetry), and mathematics flourished under Persian rule. Iranians today are steeped in and proud of that 4,000 year history and heritage. For example, the Persian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi wrote his epic titled Book of Kings (Shahnameh) in about 1000 AD. The book is credited with preserving Persian culture, history, and language. It is often compared to Homer’s Iliad. More to the point, many Iranians still today proudly own, display, and cherish the book. Ferdowsi’s tomb is still a popular tourist destination.


Of all Muslim countries, only Iran is an official Shiite Muslim country. However, the country is home to many other faiths including Christian, Jewish, Zoroastorian, Bahaian, and Sunni Muslims. In fact, Iran’s Jewish population of about 25,000 is the largest community in the Middle East outside Israel.


In the western world today, Iran is frequently portrayed in a very negative light or is seen as a backward outpost. But the reality is very different. Here are some interesting and positive facts about Iran:


• Women constitute well over half of university students in Iran • Iran’s Sharif University is considered to be comparable to MIT, Caltech, and Stanford • Nine out of 10 Iranians say men and women should have equal legal rights


• Among Middle East nations, only Iranians held spontaneous candlelight vigils in sympathy with Americans after 9/11


General bereavement customs. Most Iranians are culturally Muslim—even if they do not actively practice their religion. When it comes to funerals, the religion becomes part of tradition. Even if one was not a practicing Muslim, one would still follow traditional ways. For example, it is customary to bury a body on the very same day of the death. Therefore, autopsy may be a problem for some families.


Other days are also important after a death. In the Iranian community, very important days are the third, seventh, and 40th days after the death. It is traditional to go to the grave site as well as support the family on these dates. After the 40th day, men usually have an afternoon tea or a lunch and they shave. The women wear black in mourning. If they are very sad, someone will buy them something new. If the outfit changes, it indi- cates moving on from grief. Often the first anniversary of the death is the last time rela- tives and friends gather formally to acknowledge the loss. Everyone goes to the gravesite, but after that it’s really up to family and friends to continue to acknowledge the death.


Infants belong not just to the parents but the family at large. They are part of the greater community. The paternal grandparents, particularly, hold influence in the rearing of chil- dren. Therefore, the loss of an infant is mourned by not just the parents but the entire family.


The loss of a fetus is often grieved in silence. One reason is, the pregnancy is not pub- licized. Women do not talk about it publicly or among family. For example, a woman


VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CROSS CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AT THE LOSS OF AN INFANT 45


I’ve reached the end of this great history


And all the land will fill with talk of me


I shall not die, these seeds I’ve sown will save


My name and reputation from the grave


And men of sense and wisdom will proclaim


When I have gone, my praises and my fame.


Ending stanzas of the poem Book of Kings (Shahnameh) by Iranian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi 930 AD—1020 AD. From Abolqasem Ferdowsi: The Poet Who Rescued Iran at www.npr.org/templates/story/ story.php?storyID=100397309


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