PHENOMENOLOGY OF ZAR RITUAL CEREMONY WITH AN EMPHASIS ON GEOGRAPHICAL RELATIONS OF ZANGEBAR AND QESHM

Abstract

Abstract. The initial exposure of human beings to nature was a terrifying encounter due to lack of sufficient cognition and human was compelled to solve lots of his mental and subjective difficulties by means of believing in existence of spirits and numerous powers. In ancient times, mental illnesses were known as the effect of supernatural powers, and sickness was known as the result of being possessed by evil spirits. The individual, who is possessed, could suffer from disease with physical and mental symptoms. In southern seashores of Iran, subduing these ghosts, which are known as "winds", would be viable by performing a ceremony called Zar. Zar have been set in the spiritual beliefs of
this region. Studying this curative ritual, assists to comprehend the rules and beliefs of fringe inhabitants of Persian Gulf and its ritual aspect is greatly significant. Zar, which is remained from the primary tribes of east Africa, was originated from Shamanism. From psychological point of view, some of the symptoms of being haunted by winds are defined as indications of psychosis and hysterics nature; furthermore, these symptoms probably arise from an individual's mental disorders and reactions to the pressures and disputes with his social conditions. Since psychology deals with human
mind and thoughts and inner emotions, proving behavioral theories and subjective processes that are presented by psychologists and psychoanalysts, is very difficult and even doubtable. In addition, proof of issues which are derived from the humanities, is encountered with difficulties because they cannot undergo experience. In psychology, in which human mind is the main part, this case runs into more complications. Nevertheless, research methods, current tools and techniques for studying psychological subjects have rectified the mentioned defect to a large extent. Zar ritual, as a substitute for conventional medical descriptions, provides a kind of interpretation of the illness that science is not
capable of its healing.
Key words: Zar, the people of the air, possession, Qeshm, Zangebar.