The Journal for the Study and Research into the Mandaean Culture, Religion, and Language

“And when you say ‘The girdle’ that wreath which is set on the head of your heart shines”  (75)

Introduction The Various Parts Ksuia Daša Šarwala Takka Burzinqa Nasifa Himiana Taga Shum References Figures

Volume 3                                          Special Issue                                           Online edition

Researched by AJAE                                                                                          Copyright 2001

In the name of the Great Life! On the day that they tied the girdle on Manda d-Hiia His radiance shone forth over the ‘uthras and dwellings The ‘uthras and dwellings that beheld Manda d-Hiia’s radiancet

Himiana

Figure 26

The himiana is a belt or girdle that symbolizes the Mandaean faith. It is tubular in shape consisting of sixty woolen woven threads.. (77)

The himiana is explained as being the girdle of water of Manda-d-Hayye. (78)

The tying of the belt has a ritual meaning. The belt is held in front of the body, crossed at the back, and then tied in a double knot in front. The ends of the belt are tucked in at each side of the waist into the belt itself. One end of the belt has a tassel, which is not sewn and is called the karkuša. (80)

Figure 29

Figure 28

The karkuša

The arwa

In tying  the himiana pronounce these words:

Figure 30 Tying of the Himiana

Himiana‘tres Btrintabia (pron.Bitréntavi) Btrin gatria “I consecrate the girdle With two virtues With two knots.” (82)

Figure 25

Figure 27 Close up of the Himiana

Were all afraid of his radiance at his radiance, all were in awe And all gathered to him, all flocked towards him And blessed Manda d-Hiia, saying to him “Blessed art thou, our father Manda d-Hiia, And blessed is this girdle, wherewith they gave girt thee!”  (76)

"But should it happen his (ritual) clothes are silken, the himiana (girdle) (is) an exception,  for it must be of wool from a male lamb.  If the vestments of a priest be silken there must be no snarls therein" (79)

The other end is bound and sewn and is called the arwa. The arwa must be passed over the karkuša in tying. In front the karkuša must fall to the left and the arwa must fall to the right. (81)