Goldfish: Zoroastrian symbols

Haft Sin Table   (Photo by Babak Habibi)

Nowruz, perhaps the holiest of all Zoroastrian holidays, occurs annually at the spring equinox.  This celebration is thought to have been initiated by Zoroaster himself, and

also marks the beginning of a new year.

As part of the Nowruz festivities, there are seven major table settings known as Haft Sin.  Wikipedia lists the symbolism of these settings as follows:  mirror (Sky), apple (Earth), candles (Fire), rose water (Water), wheat or barley sprouts (Plants), goldfish (Animals), and painted eggs (Humans and Fertility).

It may seem strange that goldfish are chosen as representatives of all animals, but their qualities lend credence to that role.  Wikipedia explains that they had been highly regarded in parts of Europe during the early 1600s because of their “metallic scales,” which symbolized “good luck and good fortune.”  First-year marital anniversaries were often honored by the giving of goldfish “as a symbol for the prosperous years to come.”

Goldfish are also known for their “strong associative learning abilities,” as well as for their “social learning skills.”  Unlike some other aquatic species, goldfish tend to be “friendly” towards one another.   The only times they become aggressive with each other is when food supplies are scarce.

Their vision and intelligence is acute enough for goldfish to “distinguish between individual humans,” and to gravitate towards their owners.  They will often display “begging” behaviors as their owners approach.

Just recently, surgery was successfully performed on a tumor-laden Australian goldfish.  Reuters reports that this fish, George, is now “expected to live another 20 years.”   

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowruz#Haft_S.C4.ABn

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfish

http://news.msn.com/offbeat/fish-and-snips-australian-goldfish-surgery-goes-swimmingly-well

Copyright October 7, 2014 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved