Traditional Rituals of Sistan and Some of Their Mythological Themes: An Analysis

Rituals are an integral part of the culture and history of the people of Sistan, an Iranian tribe, which has been uniquely expressed through their religious, ethnic, and tribal beliefs. Based on the mythological, anthropological, historical, and psychological characteristics of the Sistani people, their rituals set them apart from other Iranian tribes. Furthermore, these rituals have been depicted in the ancient tales of this region, serving as the foundation for various literary analyses. The purpose of this research is to explore the rituals portrayed in the stories of the people of Sistan and analyze their underlying themes using a descriptive-analytical approach, combined with the critical lens of myth criticism. Extensive studies confirm that Sistani narratives encompass a range of rituals, with notable examples including blood drinking, the myth of Oushidar, incestuous marriages, witchcraft, and mourning ceremonies. Many of these rituals originated from the ancient Iranian and Zoroastrian cultures, as well as the customs and practices of ancient tribes like the Scythians, eventually becoming deeply ingrained within the Sistan region's populace.