Drabsha
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Thedrabsha[1][2](Classical Mandaic:ࡃࡓࡀࡁࡔࡀ,romanized:drabša;Modern Mandaic:drafšā[3]) ordarfash(Arabic:درفش) is the symbol of theMandaean faith.It is typically translated as 'banner'.[4]
Etymology
[edit]The Mandaic termdrabšais derived from theMiddle Persianworddrafš,which means 'banner or standard; a flash of light; sunrise'. In Mandaic,drabšacan also mean 'a ray or beam of light'.[5]
An uncommon variant spelling isdrapša,which may have been the original spelling.[6]
Description and symbolism
[edit]The drabša is a banner in the shape of a cross made of two branches ofolivewood fastened together and half covered with a piece of white cloth traditionally made of pure silk, and seven branches ofmyrtle.The drabša white silk banner is not identified with theChristian cross.Instead, the four arms of the drabsha symbolize the four corners of the universe, while the puresilkcloth represents the Light of God (Hayyi Rabbi).[7]The seven branches ofmyrtlerepresent the seven days of creation.[8][9]The drabsha is viewed as a symbol of light and the light of the sun, moon and stars is envisaged to shine from it.[10]It may be of pre-Christian origin and used originally to hang a prayer shawl during immersion in the river (masbuta).[10]
Prayers
[edit]InE. S. Drower's version of theQulasta,prayers 330–347 (corresponding to Part 4 ofMark Lidzbarski'sOxford Collection) are dedicated to the drabša. In many of these prayers, which mention the unfurling of drabshas, individual drabshas have given names.[11]
- Šišlamiel (various prayers)
- Šašlamiel (prayer 347)
- Manhariel (prayer 334)
- Pirun(prayer 333) (also the name of agufna)
- Zihrun(prayers 332, 340, 341, 374)
Gallery
[edit]-
Artistic rendition of the Mandaean drabsha
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Drabsha planted into the floor atYahya Yuhana Mandiin Sydney, Australia
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TarmidaSahi Bashikhpreparing the drabsha atYahya Yuhana Mandiin Sydney, Australia
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An actual drabsha (left) next to a symbolic drabsha (center) atGanzibra Dakhil MandiinLiverpool, Sydney,Australia
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Front side of a drabsha atGanzibra Dakhil MandiinLiverpool, Sydney,Australia
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Back side of a drabsha atGanzibra Dakhil MandiinLiverpool, Sydney,Australia
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Adrabsha(center) carried during aParwanayafestival held inMaysan Governorate,southern Iraq in March 2019
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Adrabshabeing carried to theTigrisRiver
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A drabsha (darfash) golden necklace
See also
[edit]- Kushta
- Rasta (Mandaeism),white ritual clothing used by Mandaeans
- Temple menorah,represents light of God and symbolizes creation in seven days
References
[edit]- ^Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002).The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people.New York: Oxford University Press.ISBN0-19-515385-5.OCLC65198443.
- ^Drower, Ethel Stefana (1937).The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran.Oxford at the Clarendon Press.
- ^Gelbert, Carlos (2011).Ginza Rba.Sydney: Living Water Books.ISBN9780958034630.
- ^Van Rompay, Sandi (2010)."The Symbolism of the Drabša in the Mandaean Illustrated Manuscripts: The Drabša of Radiance".ARAM Periodical.22:263–310.doi:10.2143/ARAM.22.0.2131041.
- ^Drower, E. S.(2020).The Secret Adam: A Study of Nasoraean Gnosis.Eugene, Oregon:Wipf and Stock.ISBN978-1-5326-9763-0.OCLC1149751154.
- ^Segelberg, Eric(1958).Maṣbuta: Studies in the Ritual of Mandaean Baptism.Uppsala: Almqvist and Wiksell.
- ^Mite, Valentinas (14 July 2004)."Iraq: Old Sabaean-Mandean Community is Proud of Its Ancient Faith".Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.Retrieved4 November2021.
- ^Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - USEK (27 November 2017)."Open discussion with the Sabaeans Mandaeans".YouTube.Retrieved9 November2021.
- ^Sly, Liz (16 November 2008)."'This is one of the world's oldest religions, and it is going to die.'".Chicago Tribune.Retrieved9 November2021.
- ^abMandaean Awareness and Guidance Board (28 May 2014)."Mandaean Beliefs & Mandaean Practices".Mandaean Associations Union.Retrieved10 November2021.
- ^Drower, E. S. (1959).The Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaeans.Leiden: E. J. Brill.
External links
[edit]- Preparing the drabsha(video)