Dehwa_Hanina

Dehwa Hanina

Dehwa Hanina

Mandaean religious feast

In the Mandaean calendar, Dehwa Hanina (Classical Mandaic: ࡃࡉࡄࡁࡀ ࡄࡍࡉࡍࡀ, romanized: Dihba Hnina) or Dehwa Ṭurma (Dihba ḏ-Ṭirma), the Little Feast, is celebrated on the 18th day of Taura, which is the 4th month of the Mandaean calendar that corresponds to the Hebrew month Iyar.[1]

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Dehwa Hanina commemorates the ascension of Hibil Ziwa from the underworld (World of Darkness) to the World 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 with lofani (ritual meals). Mandaean families also clean their houses, wear new clothes, light candles, burn incense, and pray.[3]: 25 

Symbolism

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 on Tibil, and the birth of Ptahil from the marriage of Hibil and Zahriel
  • The masiqta of Gabriel: baptizing him 360 times before re-entering the World of Light

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Gelbert, Carlos (2005). The Mandaeans and the Jews. Edensor Park, NSW: Living Water Books. ISBN 0-9580346-2-1. OCLC 68208613.
  2. [2]
    Aldihisi, Sabah (2008). The story of creation in the Mandaean holy book in the Ginza Rba (PhD). University College London.
  3. [3]
    Nasoraia, Brikha H.S. (2021). The Mandaean gnostic religion: worship practice and deep thought. New Delhi: Sterling. ISBN 978-81-950824-1-4. OCLC 1272858968.
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