The Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani Persian Music Collection contains Persian songs written and performed by Dr. Kaviani, an educator, author, poet, singer, and cultural diversity trainer who resides in Seattle, Washington. Through this music, Kaviani aims to introduce people to Iranian traditions that Zoroastrians have kept alive while providing Iranians the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots.
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Esfandgann: The Festivals to Honor the Earth and All Women
Khodi Kaviani and Saeed Shahram
Based on the ancient Iranian worldview, the entire Earth is holy, and worthy of our gratitude and protection. Women represent the Earth’s human counterparts. To show the importance of Earth, in Zoroastrian literature, Earth is referred to as the Daughter of AhuraMazda (Creator), and Fire to be the Creator’s Son. AhuraMazda is made up of two attributes of Life Giving (Ahura, a male attribute) and Great Wisdom (Mazda, a female attribute). So implied, men and women are equal counterparts in life and bringing peace and joy to the world. Men represent Sky, and Women represent Earth. Together, they have made life possible. The bigger message is the collaboration and spirit of cooperation that we are capable of, and when applied, human-made problems can be solved. Many may not know that each of the 30 days in the ancient Iranian calendar has a unique name, and when the names of day and month match, a special feast is held to honor a special element (Earth, Water, Fire, etc.) or characteristic (e.g. Good Thoughts, Strong Leadership for and with Justice, etc.). Thus, we are constantly reminded of the importance of protecting the environment and doing our best to live in harmony with nature while innovating and progressing toward a prosperous and just society for all. On the first day of Esfand (12th month), women receive gifts from men. On the fifth day of Esfand, the festival of Esfandgaan or Sepandaarmez-gaan is celebrated to honor the fertile Earth and women. Again, women receive gifts from men. Salix Eagyptiaca (Musk Willow) is the healing flower for this last winter month of the year before the start of spring in March. Similar to Mother Earth providing for all living things, women’s roles in giving birth, raising children, and playing a vital role in society are recognized. According to the Book of Kings (Shahnameh) and other historical records, Iranian women became kings (King Pooraandokht, King Aazarmeedokht, etc.) and others like Gord-aafareed led in battles or became famous navy commanders, like Artemis. On this auspicious month, farmers get busy preparing their fields and clearing the water canals in preparation for planting trees and flowers. The central themes of being happy and bringing happiness to others are important aspects of these festivals. Festivals and celebrations eliminate depression and bring the community members closer to each other. Celebrating our connections with each other and recognizing our impact on the environment, are lessons we can learn from this and other ancient Iranian/Zoroastrian traditions.
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Jashn-e Bahmangaan
Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani, Haideh Esfahani, and Saeed Shahram
This song celebrates the Jashn-e Bahmangaan festival in Iran. On the day Bahman and the month Bahman, a celebration is held to honor the first Amshaaspand (Holy Immortal), representing AhuraMazdaa’s attribute of Good Thoughts (اندیشه نیک). Bahman is also known as Vohooman (وهومن), or Vohoomana (وهومنه). It means Good (خوب و نیک), Thinking (اندیشیدن), Remembering (به یاد آوردن), and understanding (دریافتن). According to the Zoroastrian/Iranian literature, Bahman represents the first creation of AhuraMazdaa. It was Bahman that taught humans the skills of thinking and problem solving. The wisdom and knowledge that people have (both acquired and innate) are gifts of the Creator so that they can continue to learn and improve their lives. That is the reason why Zoroaster emphasized freedom of choice (آزادیِ گزینش در زندگی) in his teachings. Before making important decisions, individuals are encouraged to consult with other wise and knowledgeable people. They are also encouraged to avoid unnecessary conflicts and wars by negotiating with the opponents and seeking peace.
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Jashn-e Khordaadgaan
Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani, Haideh Esfahani, and Saeed Shahram
Jashn-e Khordaadgaan or Khordadgan (جشن خردادگان) is about celebrating and honoring water. Khordaad or Khordad is the third month in the Iranian calendar and the name of the fifth Holy Immortal. Holy Immortals are more powerful than the Guardians. They all have different strengths and qualities. Khordaad Amshaaspand (خرداد امشاسپند) has three helpers (Farvardeen فروردین = The Energy of Progress and movement of lifeنیروی پیشرفت و نیرویی که هستی را به جنبش آورد ; Teshtar تشتر = Rain Starستاره باران ; Baad باد = Wind and its various manifestations that include (1) the loud inspiring voices that give the brave the courage to move forward and continue the fight, (2) the loud shouts given out when in need, (3) the loud voices that indicate the arrival of the much needed help, (4) breathing, (5) the wind that brings the rain clouds over to deposit their water on land, etc.) that ensure the water gets to all corners of the earth to quench the thirst of all living creatures. This festival shows the importance of water in our world and the perennial nature of the struggle between drought and rain. As the competition for this scarce resource heats up, we all need to do our part to honor, preserve, and protect this valuable resource.
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Shahrivargaan
Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani, Saeed Shahram, and Haideh Esfahani
Shahrivargaan is a Persian song written and performed by Dr. Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani and composed by Saeed Shahram. Kaviani is an educator at Central Washington University, an author, poet, singer, and cultural diversity trainer. Through this music, Kaviani aims to introduce people to Iranian traditions that Zoroastrians have kept alive while providing Iranians the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots.
The Shahrivargaan festival happens during the sixth month of the Iranian calendar. This festival is about strong leadership in creating, nurturing, and protecting justice in all its forms. This gift of cultural song is dedicated to all who appreciate the Iranian culture of peace, justice, and prosperity for all.
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Amordaad, Songs of Persia II
Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani, Haideh Esfahani, and Saeed Shahram
Amordaad, Songs of Persia II, contains Persian songs written and performed by Dr. Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani and Haideh Esfahani, with music composition by Saeed Shahram. Kaviani is an educator at Central Washington University, an author, poet, singer, and cultural diversity trainer. Through this music, Kaviani aims to introduce people to Iranian traditions that Zoroastrians have kept alive while providing Iranians the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots. This gift of cultural song is dedicated to all who appreciate the Iranian culture of peace, justice, and prosperity for all.
The name for this collection of songs--Amordaad--is the fifth month in the Iranian calendar. It means "Immortal," signifying an attribute of the Creator. Each day in the Iranian calendar has a special name and, when it matches with the name of the month, Zoroastrians celebrate it. There are twelve such festivals in a year, including Norooz, Mehregaan, Teergaan, Sadeh, Chaahaar Shanbeh Soori, and Seezdab b-e Dar. The Amordaad Festival is celebrated on the day of Amordaad in the month of Amordaad. These traditions go back centuries and highlight the importance of celebrating life, liberty, justice, and happiness for all.
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Ancient Whispers, Songs of Persia I
Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani, Nooshafarin, and Saeed Shahram
Ancient Whispers, Songs of Persia I, contains Persian songs written and performed by Dr. Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani and Ms. Nooshafarin, with music composition by Saeed Shahram. Kaviani is an educator at Central Washington University, an author, poet, singer, and cultural diversity trainer. Through this music, Kaviani aims to introduce people to Iranian traditions that Zoroastrians have kept alive while providing Iranians the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots. This gift of cultural song is dedicated to all who appreciate the Iranian culture of peace, justice, and prosperity for all.
The cover image (designed by Suzanne Gard) shows fire altars near Takht-e Jamsheed, Shiraz, Iran. These altars represent the five types of fires historically acknowledged by Iranians: The great useful fire (used for cooking and keeping homes warm); the fire/energy that keeps human and animal bodies warm; the fire/energy that exist in wood products, plants, and all things that grow; electricity that is generated in the clouds; and Sepeenesht, a special fire that is heavenly (in the House of Songs and Worship) and generates light but does not burn.
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Yaas, Persian Love Songs
Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani, Saeed Shahram, and Haideh Esfahani
Yaas, Persian Love Songs, features songs written and performed by Dr. Khodadad (Khodi) Kaviani and composed by Saeed Shahram. Kaviani is an educator at Central Washington University, an author, poet, singer, and cultural diversity trainer. Through this music, Kaviani aims to introduce people to Iranian traditions that Zoroastrians have kept alive while providing Iranians the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots. This gift of cultural song is dedicated to all who appreciate the Iranian culture of peace, justice, and prosperity for all.