Pahlavi Texts, Part III (SBE 24) · 133 of 187

Chapter XLVI

1. The forty-sixth subject is this, that, when people become fourteen years of age, it is necessary to tie on the sacred thread-girdle, because the high-priests have said that it is likewise necessary to take into account those nine months that they have been in the womb of the mother.

2. For in our religion there is no duty better than wearing the sacred thread-girdle, and it is incumbent on man and woman. 3. And, in former days, if any one should have become completely fifteen years of age, and should not have worn the sacred thread-girdle, they would have done for him by stoning, as bread and water are forbidden (‘harâm) for him.

309:3 See Chap. X, which mentions fifteen years in accordance with Vend. XVIII, 115, 120. But Sls. X, 13 recommends fourteen years and three months as more prudent, no doubt for the reason stated here in the text.