Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Zurvanism

Zurvanism

9.9
A group within the old Persian religion that teaches time is the start of everything
  • noun
  • /ˈzɜrvəˌnɪzəm/
: zurvanismo
  • The main tenet of Zurvanism is that time, or Zurvan, is the origin of all things.

Examples

  • Zurvanism emerged as a branch of Zoroastrianism during the Sassanian era.

  • Scholars debate the influence of Zurvanism on later religious traditions.

  • Many scholars study Zurvanism to understand ancient beliefs.

  • Is Zurvanism still practiced today?

  • During the Sassanian era, Zurvanism taught that Zurvan is the ultimate source of the universe.

  • Many ancient texts explore the principles of Zurvanism as a vital part of Zoroastrian belief.

  • The followers of Zurvanism believe that time itself, known as Zurvan, is central to creation.

Surface Forms

Zurvanism singular
Zurvanisms plural

Morphology

Zurvanism = Zurvan (semi-transparent) = Zurvan + ism

Formally formed from the proper name 'Zurvan' plus the productive suffix '-ism' meaning 'doctrine or belief', but the term is specialized and requires background knowledge of the deity for full comprehension.

Etymology

Zurvanism comes from Zurvan, the name in ancient Persian religion for 'time' or 'endless time'. So Zurvanism is the belief that time itself is the origin of the universe and the main source of all things.