Dehwa Hanina
| Dehwa Hanina | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Dihba Hanina,Dihba Hnina,Dehwa Ṭurma,Dihba ḏ-Ṭirma |
| Observed by | Mandaeans |
| Type | Religious |
| Significance | Little Feast celebratingHibil Ziwa's ascent from theunderworld |
| Part ofa serieson |
| Mandaeism |
|---|
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| Religion portal |
In theMandaean calendar,Dehwa Hanina(Classical Mandaic:ࡃࡉࡄࡁࡀ ࡄࡍࡉࡍࡀ,romanized:Dihba Hnina) orDehwa Ṭurma(Dihba ḏ-Ṭirma), the Little Feast, is celebrated on the 18th day ofTaura,which is the 4th month of theMandaean calendarthat corresponds to the Hebrew monthIyar.[1]
Dehwa Hanina commemorates the ascension ofHibil Ziwafrom theunderworld(World of Darkness) to theWorld of Light.Mandaean families visit each other and have a special breakfast of rice, yogurt, dates, and sesame seeds.[2]Baptisms are performed, and the dead are commemorated withlofani(ritual meals). Mandaean families also clean their houses, wear new clothes, light candles, burnincense,and pray.[3]: 25
Symbolism
[edit]The festival symbolizes three things:[3]: 26
- The victory of light over darkness, and the re-balancing of the universe
- Creation of light and life onTibil,and the birth ofPtahilfrom the marriage ofHibilandZahriel
- Themasiqtaof Gabriel: baptizing him 360 times before re-entering the World of Light
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^Gelbert, Carlos (2005).The Mandaeans and the Jews.Edensor Park, NSW: Living Water Books.ISBN0-9580346-2-1.OCLC68208613.
- ^Aldihisi, Sabah (2008).The story of creation in the Mandaean holy book in the Ginza Rba(PhD). University College London.
- ^abNasoraia, Brikha H.S.(2021).The Mandaean gnostic religion: worship practice and deep thought.New Delhi: Sterling.ISBN978-81-950824-1-4.OCLC1272858968.
