بازنمایی آیین‎های کهن و کارکردهای اجتماعی درخت در شاهنامۀ فردوسی

ABSTRACT

Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh—far more than merely an epic poem recounting battles and reigns—serves as a comprehensive mirror reflecting the ritual systems, mythological beliefs, and social structures of ancient Iran. Within this context, the "tree," as a cultural archetype, is deeply intertwined with concepts of sanctity, life, and wisdom; in the Shahnameh, it transcends mere symbolism to become an active element in social and ritual practices. Given that rituals serve to embody and revitalize human beliefs across the ages, the tradition of holding festive gatherings beneath trees underscores the fact that the tree has long symbolized verdure, freshness, joy, and exuberance. Key tree-related rituals include placing a throne beneath a tree, burying the dead beneath a tree, levying taxes under trees, the magnificent tree-planting ceremony, and the ritual holding of the Barsam. The present study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the significance of these rituals. At the first level, the tree plays a protective role in rites of passage and birth—such as the "votive tree" or the "blessed tree"—thereby ensuring the continuity of the lineage. At the second level, the tree serves as a setting for adjudication and the administration of justice in ancient societies. The findings indicate that tree-related rituals in the Shahnameh are not merely literary embellishments or naturalistic descriptions; rather, they function as mechanisms for maintaining social cohesion, transmitting moral values, and fostering a bond between society and nature within the context of Iran’s cultural ecosystem. Indeed, by synthesizing these elements, Ferdowsi not only honors the heritage of ancient Iran but also reinterprets the social issues of his own era through the lens of these archaic beliefs, imbuing them with an epic dimension.