Purim
“Lots (from Persian pari, meaning lot or portion)”
Summary
Purim is the annual Jewish festival celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar commemorating the deliverance of the Jews in Persia from the massacre threatened through Haman's plot, as recorded in the book of Esther.
☩Origin of the Festival
The festival was instituted by Mordecai, at the suggestion of Esther, to commemorate the wonderful deliverance of the Jews in Persia from the destruction threatened through Haman's designs. The name Purim (singular Pur) derives from the Persian word meaning 'lot,' given to this festival because Haman cast lots to ascertain what day would be auspicious to carry into effect the decree for exterminating the Jews. The name was probably given by the Jews in irony, since their great enemy Haman was very superstitious and much given to casting lots. It is reported that eighty-five Jewish elders initially objected to the festival's institution when proposed by Mordecai.
☩Biblical Institution
The book of Esther records that Mordecai ordered the 14th and 15th of Adar to be kept annually by all Jews, both near and far, as days of feasting and joy, with interchange of presents and gifts to the poor. The Jews agreed to continue observing this festival every year in the manner they had begun it. By Maccabean times, the festival was already being observed, with the 14th day called 'Mordecai's day.' Josephus refers to it as continuously and widely observed in his time: 'For this cause the Jews still keep the forementioned days, and call them days of Purim.'
☩Modern Observance
The 13th of Adar preceding Purim is observed as a fast day called 'the fast of Esther,' commemorating the fast she enjoined before approaching the king. On the evening introducing the 14th, Jews assemble in synagogues where the book of Esther (called simply 'the Megillah' or Roll) is read by the reader in a histrionic manner. When Haman's name is pronounced, the congregation stamps on the floor saying 'Let his name be blotted out!' while children spring rattles. The passage listing Haman's sons' names is read rapidly in one breath to signify they were all hanged at once. At the reading's conclusion, the congregation exclaims blessings on Mordecai, Esther, and Harbonah who hanged Haman, and curses on Haman, his wife Zeresh, and all idolaters.
☩Festive Celebrations
The rest of the festival is spent in great rejoicing. On the morning of the 14th, Exodus 17:8-16, relating the destruction of the Amalekites (the people of Agag, Haman's supposed ancestor), is read as the lesson from the Law. Presents are exchanged among friends and relations, and gifts are liberally sent to the poor. Games, dancing, music, and dramatic entertainments connected with the occasion take place. Men frequently put on female attire, declaring that Purim's festivities suspend the law forbidding one sex to wear the dress of the other. According to the Talmud, one is obligated to drink on Purim until unable to distinguish between 'cursed be Haman' and 'blessed be Mordecai.'
☩Theories of Origin
Many attempts have been made to trace Purim's origin in pagan or cosmic festivals, though none has achieved general acceptance. Theories include connection with the Assyrian New Year festival, the Babylonian puhru (new year), Persian festivals like farwardighan (feast of departed souls), a Greek bacchanalian occasion, or other Jewish experiences such as Judas Maccabeus's victory over Nicanor. Some scholars derive it from a Babylonian New Year festival, making Mordecai equivalent to the god Marduk and Esther equivalent to the goddess Ishtar. However, the book of Esther remains the most reasonable account; its difficulties are not so great as those found in alternative explanations.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Purim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Purim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Purim; Pur," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Purim," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).