Editing Water (section)

==In Mythology==
In Egyptian mythology, the world was originally an ocean of water. In Mesopotamian myths and Assyrian narratives, all creations come from the mixing of freshwater (Apsu) and salt water (Tiamt). In Greek mythology, Narcissus, the son of the river god Cephissus and the goddess Liriope, is the manifestation of water. The ancient Greeks also had rituals and celebrations concerning water and praying for rain, including ritual sacrifices, in which horses were thrown into waves as gifts for sea gods. In Indian mythology, water is the origin of everything and has significant healing properties. In the traditions of European nations, water and its rituals have a long history; such as healing springs in France (such as the Lourdes water in the Sanctuary of Lady of Lourdes).

In ancient Iran, water was highly respected as a holy element (following fire). The [http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/avesta-holy-book Avesta] repeatedly refers to the sacred, life-giving, and creative aspects of water in the creation of the universe. In Persian mythology, Anahita is the goddess of water and a sacred woman who "raises the numbers of flocks, herds, kingdoms, possessions, and lands." Persians also had various water related rituals, such as splashing water (the Tirgan Festival) and praying for rain. In Iranian culture, water symbolizes the beginning of material life, fertility and genesis, and is a sign of awareness, enlightenment, and purity. Hence, the "fountain of youth" is sought in the darkness and passing over water is a metaphor for passing a test (or "Var") and a stage (or "Khan").