A Comparative Study of Therapeutic Rituals (Zaar, Parikhani) with Psychodrama

Abstract

The present study is a comparative study of therapeutic rituals (Zār, Parikhani) in different regions of Iran with psychodrama. These rituals are a therapeutic function for mental and psychological problems and have a long history which is done by using the library techniques and the field studies. Among the natives of different regions of Iran, such as Sistan Baluchestan, it is believed that some disease are due to the presence of winds and evil airs that penetrate the human body and cause mental and even physical illnesses. In such circumstances, the inhabitants of these regions, with the help of ritual ceremonies such as (Zār, Parikhani), calm these winds so that the patient can be freed from those winds and evil air. Psychodrama, which is popular all over the world today has dramatic concepts and dramatic elements that are be used for psychotherapy. Therefore, the present article seeks to find out whether these rituals are similar to this modern method in terms of theatrical methods or not? In a comparative analytical study, it is concluded that these rituals in order to benefit from elements such as, form, dance, action, music, narrative, therapist, scene, therapist, main person, the supporting person and so on, which they have something in common with psychodrama. They also have common concepts between the two therapies, including, identity, spontaneity and purification of the soul.