Manifestation of Peri in the Iranian language and Art with Emphasis on Ta’zieh

Peri (in English  Fairy) is a mysterious and equivocal concept in the Persian language. Some define it as a revered creature while others consider it a villain and wicked being who can hurt humans and make them mad.  However, Peri has long been in the language and culture of Iran and has appeared in various forms. Examining the history of Peri shows that this creature used to be a Goddess of fertility and sexual attractiveness in the beliefs of pre-Zoroastrian. However, after the rise of Zartosht, he expelled this creature from the community of Gods and considered her as a devil. After the arrival of Islam in Iran, some new concepts entered into the language and thought of Iran that Iranians associate them with the old concept of Peri. These new concepts caused Peri to gain her adorable face again and play roles beside other sacred creatures in Iranian Arts like painting and Ta’zieh. Peri appears in the paintings at the peak of beauty but shows some of her devilish and deceiving aspects with some signs like the red color too. Peri plays a very important role in Ta’ziyeh and comes on stage four times with various rituals.  She helps the holy heroes in various ways. These roles are a mixture of the ancient features of Peri with the new Islamic teachings that can be seen in words and ideas such as Malak, Jinn, and Hour-al-Ain. In the end, all of this manifests itself in the body of a mature and beautiful work of art and is presented to believing viewers. The recovered Peri is a beautiful and lovable creature who, if there are any traces of humor and charm left in her, is because of necessity feminine.