| Ab father; Aba Saba white-haired father (a reverential address); Abatur divine name (Third Life, Father of Ptahil and the ‘utria); Abahatan Qadmaija “Our First Fathers” (among the commonest of prayers, in the form of a litany). Abagada alphabet Abatur <Pr. Awathur> There are two Abaturs, or rather two phases of the same being. Abatur Rama (the Lofty or Celestial Abatur), but with his lower counterpart, Abatur of the Scales, who weighs souls after death. Adam There are two Adams, the physical and the occult or spiritual Adam (Adam Pagria and Adam Kasia). The former pair inhabit Msunia Kusta, a world which is the spiritual counterpart of the material world, and their progeny are the spiritual counterparts of human beings. The physical Adam is the first man. Adam Abu-l-Farag a proper noun (a human figure who arrives to help the Mandaeans). Adatan and Yadatan A pair of celestial spirits often mentioned in Mandaean literature. Accent is on the last syllable Adiaura (divine) helper Adnaut Hiia <Pr. Admuth Hei> "Likeness-of-Life ", a female spirit mentioned in the Ginza Rabba and 'Niania. In the latter she is said to be the mother of Yusamin. Ahaba d Mania <Pr. Hava d Mani> The Giving of Garments. A form of Zidqa brikha for those who have died not wearing the ritual garment Aina “The well spring” <Pr. Eye-na> The name given to the female principle of creation “the Mother”. Her complement is the Sindirka, the palm-tree (See Sindirka) Alf thousand Alma (p1. almia) world Anatan <Pr. Anna-tan> Name of a ruler in the infernal region, husband of Qin. Andiruna A ritual hut built for marriage rites and the consecration of a priest Anhar female proper noun (wife of Sum; wife of Iahia luhana) Anhura (nhura) Light Anus <Pr. Annosh> One of the three sons of the Occult Adam and Eve. The other two are called Hibil and Sitil. In the Diwan Abatur one of Ptahil’s seven sons is called Anus. Anus bar Danqa the name of a Mandaean dignitary at the time of the Islamic invasion Arspan The name of a Spirit connected with water and baptism, also connected to the name of a throne. Asa myrde Asganda, Sganda <Pr. Ash-zan-da or shgan-da> A helper, assistant, acolyte: i.e. a boy or young man of priestly birth who assists at Mandaean rites. His duties resemble those if a server, or, sometimes a deacon in Oriental Christian churches (Cf. Sumerian as-gan-da “minister, messenger” and Akkadian asganda. Asuta <Pr. Ass-u-tha> Healing, health. The idea of being cleansed or clean is implied. Asut Malkia “Greetings to the kings” or “Greetings of the kings” (prayer) Aswalia see sualia Azga vault Ba <Pr. Ba> A name given to the dove sacrificed before a masiqta. A shred of its flesh is eaten. It must have a small ridge or protberence at the base of the beak. Bar, br son Bhaq One of Ptahil's sons. A demiurge named Bhaq is mentioned in the Ginzna, Rabba. Bhira <Pr. Bhira> (" proven" or " chosen "). A spirit called Bhira Dakia, chief of all the 'uthras appears in the 'Niania and Sarh d Qabin d Sislam Rba. Bihdad <Bih-dad> Here this is the name of the 'uthra assisting Abatur at the Scales. Bihram <Pr. Bih-ram> Is named at baptism- " I am baptized with the baptism of Bihram the Great ". Bihram or Bahram (the Great) is often mentioned: his name suggests Persian origin. The banner is sometimes called Bihram. Bimanda = bit manda <Pr. Bi-man-da> Place of religious ceremonies. For which bit maskna is a synonym or skinta. The cult hut which after purification and consecration may not be entered by a layman. It is constructed of mud and reeds and stands in the north part of the enclosure known as the mandi or manda. Bnia lamin sons of lamin (proper noun of a Jew and of a male convert) Brihi Fire saucer Bukra <Pr. Bukh-ra> First born elder. A name given to a ganzibra’s first postulant to priesthood. Burzina Turban Butha (plural butha or bawatha) Petition, prayer, a section in the Book of Devotions Daiua (p1. daiuia) demon Dehwa Rabba Great New Year’s feast Deywa (plural Deyvi) Written daiwa A divil an evil Spirit Diwan (p1. diuanan) scroll; explanation Dubahata <Pr. Dabba-hatha> d abahata “of the fathers” or “of the parents” Refers to the final masiqta performed on the last day of Panja Dubahatan qadmaiia <Pr. Dabba-ha-than qad-moyyi> “of our fathers” i.e. the long prayer of commemoration recited for the dead and the living at all sacraments for the dead. Dmut, dmuta <Pr. Ad-muth, ad-mutha> “Likeness, counterpart, image” usually refers to the spiritual or ideal counterpart or double of everything and everyone in the material world. A person’s dmuta sometimes acts, as a guardian angel Msunia Kusta is the ideal counterpart of the earthly world. Drabsa <Pr. Drav-sha or draf-sha> “A banner, standard, streamer, pennon, banner, ray or beam of light”. The banner is used in ritual. Drasa (p1. drasia) book; words. Dukrana (mentioning). <Pr. dukh-rana> (a) Naming a dead person at a ritual meat or is prayer of commemoration (b) A sacrament commemorating a person or persons by name. EHshukha (see Hshukha) Fatira (plural fatiria)<Pr. fut-ira, plu. fut-ir-i.> A disc of unleavened bread. The size varies. The fatira used in the masiqta are saltless, small and receive only a token baking. Word means also departed. Gaf (Gaff) A ruler of one of the underworlds and father of 'Ur by Ruha Ganzibra (plural--ganzibria). < Pr. gan-ziv-ra or gan-za-o-wra --plural gan-zivri> Literary "treasurer"- The ganzibra is a degree higher in rankthan a tarmida, priest. Lidzharski translated the word "bishop". Ganzi'il, Ginzi’il, Kanzi’il (and variations) A personification of hidden or secret treasure, often invoked in exorcisms and spells. Gdada White cloth to insulate contamination or protect from contamination Ginza (plu. ginzia). <Pr. Gin-za plu. Gin-zi) (a) A treasure, mystery, sacrament (b) food and drink for ritual meals, cult objects generally; (c) a library of holy books, hence Ginza Rba (plu.. Ginza Rabba) the name or a miscellany of sacred texts n a single volum e (d) “what is hidden and precious” Giu Ruler of one of the underworlds Gunra jewel Habsaba <Pr. Ho-shabba> A savior spirit. Is the personification of the first day of the week. Haiasum <Pr. (Hayya-sho>) An 'uthra, often mentioned in the 'Niania and Ginza Rabba. Hala hallah (Jewish bread halalta rinsing water Hallali A ritually and racially pure Mandaean Hamra (wine) <Pr. ham-ra> The hamra drunk at Mandaean sacraments is not fermented: as used at a marriage ceremony it is water into a cup of which. Just before the ceremony the ganzibra macerates raisins and dates, the former being symbolic of female fecundity and the latter (see sindirka) of male fertility. The hamra into which water is poured at a masiqta is prepared in the same way but without dates. Four raisins or grapes are placed in a small bowl of water and macerated. In this case, the wine-cup represented the Mother. Harsia wizards Haran Gauaita “Inner Harran” (the title of a written text). Hatamta sealing prayer Hawa <Pr. Ha-wa> Eve, wife of Adam. There were two Eves (see Adam) the Pagria and the Kasia. In this manuscript a Hawa daughter of Hawa is a common name amongst Mandaean women. Hawan Mortar Hava d Mani see Ahaba d Mania Hazazban "This-Time "? Hazaeban is an 'uthra; sometimes the myrtle wreath used in ritual is so named, a spirit named Iran Hazazban rules a purgatory, according to the Ginza Rabba. Hibil <Hi-wel> In D. C. 8 one of the seven sons of Ptahil; a Hibil was one of the three sons of Adam Kasia. Hibil Ziwa <Pr. Hi-wel Zi-wa> A spirit of Light sometimes identified with the savior spirit Manda d Hiia. Hibil Ziwa's descent into the worlds of darkness, his marriage with Zahriel daughter of Qin and his bringing of Ruha into an upper world -where she gave birth to 'Ur, are all described in the Ginza Rabba. He is also identified occasionally with Yawar. Hiia life literally, “the living,” plural Hilbuna <Pr. hel-vuna> (a) an egg: (b) a house, a dwelling. The usual word for house is bit or baita, and the usual word for egg is bit <Pr. Beyth> Himiana <Pr. him-yana> The name of the sacred girdle. It is tubular and woven from the wool of a white male lamb. Sixty threads are used. Hit sin; suitable; wheat Hshukha Darkness Humarta (p1. humria) demon Iahia John Ialupa (p1. ialupia) cultured secular layman. lam the name of a son of Nu. Iamin a proper noun (the ancestor of the Jews?). Iapit Japheth. Iardna (p1. iardnia) free-flowing water; the Jordan. see yarden Iauar Radiant One (?); the proper name of a celestial figure ‘IL < Pr. El> Is mentioned in the Ginza Rabba together with Ruha as enemies of the " chosen righteous ". Ingirtha Letter, a message in portable form see 'nigirta Isu Jesus. luhana John. lurba (lao rba?) divine name (lao the Great?) lusamin (lao has-sammaym?) a divine name (lao of the heavens?). 'Izlat <Pr. Iz-lat> A female spirit sometimes called "the Mother". Jemali (Arabic word) A reed hut with a pent roof Kana (d-zidqa) the whole (of the offerings)cosmic container Kanfi'il <Pr. Kan-fiel> An 'uthra. Kangana A clay ring used as a stand or seat Kanzala < Pr. Kan-zala> A long narrow strip of white cloth or muslin. It is worn like a Christian stole, and before consecration is called nasifa. During baptism it is looped round the staff to secure the latter from falling when planted upright in the riverbed so freeing the baptist’s hands Kanzi’iil or Kanzi’il <Pr. Kanzi-el> See Ganzi’il Kaptha Small ritual drinking bowl Kasia (p1. kasiia) hidden; secret; mystical. Kd azil “when he came”: a category of prayers Kibla submission; conquest Kila = <Pr. Kle-ta> Small ritual drinking bowl Kinta instrument for incense Kiniana clan name (father’s name) Ksuia <Pr. Ksy-ya> The tunic which forms part of the ritual dress or rasta Ktaba book Kukh (Arabic word) Hut Kurasa loose-leaved manuscript Kusta <Pr. kush-ta> (a) “good faith”, “rectitude”, “truth” “sincerity”, “right”, “pact”, “troth”, “promise” (b) The act of placing the right hand in that of another person is token of and ratification of a pact, oath, or promise. This act is concluded by a kiss, each of the two persons kissing his own right hand when the hand is released. (c) A being, a personification of truth and good faith Krun <Pr. Krun or Akrun> Ruler of one of the realms of darkness, described as " a mountain of flesh ". Ksuya See Sadra ‘laia /’’laita elevated, exalted Laqab clan name (mother’s name) Laufa <Pr. Lau-fa or lo-fa> = union, communion --The act of eating a communal sacramental meal in commemoration of a deceased person or persons Lbula dress; clothing Lofani <Pr. Lo-fani> The same, a popular version of the word Laufa probably from a plural form Mbtta astrologically inauspicious Ma d-bh “that which is with her,” a circumlocution for the spirit Madda knowledge. Malaka (p1. malakia) angel. Malka <Pr. Mal-ka> (a) King, also priest, as the crown is the symbol of priesthood. As king, the priest wears the crown of office and a wreath of fresh green leaves which imparts the magic of life to the woven silk fillet (taga). (b) The word “king” is also applied to spirits, both good and evil, e.g. “The King of Light and King of Darkness”. When modern Mandaeans speak of melki they mean “spirits”, usually good. Malwasi (p1. malwsiia) sign of the zodiac; in the plural, zodiac. Malwasha Religious name Mambuha or Mambuga <Pr. Mam-bu-ha, mam-bugha> (bubbling spirit) Is the name given to the water drunk sacramentally, also to the mingle cup drunk in the masiqta (see hamra). Drinking the mingled cup in the masiqta is an act performed by the celebrant in the character of the deceased: later on, during the same rite, he communicates himself with plain bread and water (pihta and mambuha): this time as a living person. Mana <Pr. Man-ra> (a) “Intelligence” “nous” “mind”, as in Mana-Rba-Kabira i.e. the great almighty. Probably a loan word from the Iranian manah “mind, intelligence” (b) The eternal element in the makeup of Man; the soul (c) A garment, vestment, robe of honor (d) A vessel, receptacle. (e) a house (f) Mandaeans so term the Ba or dove of the masiqta, meaning probably that the bird is emblematic of the soul. Manda -- colloquially mandi Pl. mandia <Pr. Man-da> (a) The name of the sacred enclosure which includes a cult-hut (bimandi) and a yardna (jordan, baptismal pool) also usually a date palm and myrtle bush (b) Gnosis Manda d Hiia <Pr. Man-dad-hei; accent on second syllable) A savior spirit sometimes identified with Hibil Ziwa. Like Hibil Ziwa, he is especially concerned with the welfare of mankind. Mandaia (plural Mandaiia) <Pr. Man-dayi> A Mandaean layman in contradistinction to a tarmida priest Mandaiuta <Pr. Man-dai-utha> The state of being a layman of the community Mandelta A triple betyl Mara lord Mara d-Rabuta Lord of Greatness (divine epithet) Margna <Pr. Margh-na> The long olive wood staff carried by all priests Markabta celestial chariot Masbuta <Pr. mass-wetta> Ritual submission at the hands of a priest followed immediately by unction and partaking of the sacraments of bread and water (see pitha and mambuha) Masiqta <Pr. Mass-ekh-tha> A commemorative sacrament for the benefit of the dead performed by priests only. It is performed with the cult-hut. The word means “raising up” “resurrection” Maskna <mash-khna> “dwelling”, “shrine”, “indwelling”. Sometimes used as a synonym for manda as in bit-maskna = bimanda. The word is also used for the hut of instruction built for the initiation of a postulant. Masknaia (p1. masknaiia) synonym of Mandaean (he of the maskna) Matarta (p1. matarata) heavenly house of punishment. Mdudia a plural term of unknown meaning: Mdudia d.-Qudsa m. of the sacrament (particles of the catholic communion?). Mhita <Pr. Em-hitha> “Blow”, “wound”. In ritual texts, the word is applied to a breach, conscious or unconscious, of rules of purity, an error in ritual, or an accidental fault. Mina black dye used in jewelry Miriai <Pr. Mirri-aI> Miriai appears as the Miriai of the Ginza Rabba and Drasa d Yahia and also as the mother of Christ. Misa <Pr. Mi-sha> Oil of unction, usually sesame oil prepared by the priest at a baptism. In the masiqta and ‘ngirta the heated sesame is poured with dates in a mortar and the resulting juice is strained into a vessel. Misra (plural misria) <Pr. misri> A furrow to shut out pollution and enclose purified areas Morga (Arabic?) a meat and vegetable stew Mqadsia Jewish temple Mqaimitun a prayer formula: “be raised up” Mrara bitterness Msiha messiah Mshunia Kushta The eternal and ideal double of the earth Mutana cholera epidemic Nahra (p1. nahrauata) river Namusa, nimusa law (Syriac translation loan of the Greek nomos). Mandaean or Judaic (Torah). Napaqa someone departing (the definition of someone dying in the ceremony called ‘ngirta). Nasifa Stole-like strip of white cloth or muslin Nasurai (plural nasuraiia ) <Pr. Nas-su-rai, na-sur-dyi> One thoroughly versed in the faith and doctrines of the sect Nasiruta <Pr. Nas-i-rutha> The true faith, acquaintance with priestly gnosis. Deep knowledge of priest craft and religion. Natri watchers Nbat <Pr. En-wat> This spirit of fertility and life is often invoked in exorcisms, and his name appears constantly in all Mandaean religious literature. Nhura see Anhura Niara Bowl, or dish. Nidbai <Pr. Ned-vay> Silmai and Nidbai (Shelmay and Nedvay) are the two guardian spirits of running water (yardna). ‘ndiruna, ‘(ndrun <Pr. endiruna> A booth lightly constructed of reeds, palm fronds and other greenery erected temporarily for (a) a Mandaean wedding ceremony (b) the use of a postulant and his teacher during the first stage of his ordinance ‘ngirta = letter <Pr. in-gir-tha> Three uses for this word (a) A ceremony performed for the dying. A small phial of misa is placed in the small pocket over the right breast of a dying person'’ tunic and his right hand is taken by an asganda in kusta. (b) The phial of misa (c) (Literary) a missive, a letter ‘niania <Pr. Inni-yani> Literary “responses, answers”. Prayers and psalms, also a name given to a section of collected Mandaean liturgical prayers Nisimta (Plural nish-matha) <Pr. ni-shimta or ni-shim-tha> The immortal and pre-existence soull of man. Niska (p1. niskia) a unit of measurement Nitufta (Plural nitufiata) <Pr.ni-tuf-ta –plural ni-tuf-fiatha> "a drop" Occasionally used literally but usually as a complementary term applied to heavenly beings of female sex or to female members of a priest’s family Nu Noah. Nuraita (Nhuraita, Anhuraita) wife of Noah or of Sum Pagra (p1. pagria) body; (d-)pagria bodily physical (adjectival locution; e.g., Adam pagria). Paisaq (plural peysaq) Priest debarred from all priestly duties but that of performing marriage rites for women not virgin. Pandama <Pr. pan-dama> The long end of the ritual turban when brought over the celebrant’s mouth and beard during baptism and other rituals is so called. Laymen acting as bier-carriers also secure the pandama over the lower part of their faces. Panja <Pr. pan-ja> The five intercalary days. Their proper name is Parwanaiia. They occur between the months of Sumbulta (Virgo) and Qaina (Libra). Parwanaiia <Pr. parwanayi> The five intercalary days see Panja. The word seems to refer to Parwan (Parwan the White Mountain) Patira (p1. patiria) a kind of tiny loaf or tiny biscuits (usually sixty-six in number) prepared in certain ceremonies Pihta < Pr. peh-tha> The sacramental bread. Piriauis a name of the celestial Iardna Pras the Euphrates (earthly or celestial) Pras Ziua the Euphrates Radiance (a. name of the celestial Iardna). Ptahil <Pr. Pith-ahil> Is the son of Hibil Ziwa and Zahriel daughter of Qin. His dubious character is explained by the nature of this mesalliance, the father being of the worlds of light and the mother of the worlds of darkness. He is represented as a creator spirit, who bungles work, which must be completed, by a spirit of light. He is also said to be the son of Abatur. In this text he rules a world creates the earth with the help of demons at the order of Abatur, and shows jealousy of Hibil Ziwa. Qabin wedding ritual Qadmaia (p1. qadmaiia) first Qanina Bottle for sacramental water Qardum A demon. Qauqa A terra-cotta cube for holding incense Qin <Pr. Qin> Mother of many spirits of darkness, and also of Ruha and Zahriel Qina <Pr. qunna> (a) a nest, a place where members of a family are collected, hence home “…family” (b) a collection especially the morsels of ritual food placed on the fatira in the masiqta (c) rancor, envy, grudge Qmaha exorcism Qudsa holy Qulasta collection Quintha A clay box stand Rba = “great” plural rabba <Pr. rabbey> Also teacher (rabbi). Rbai (literally “my teacher”) is used as a title Rabuta <Pr. rabb-utha> (a) “greatness” “majesty” (b) the office and functions of the ganzibra or priest who instructs and initiates a postulant for priesthood. Rahbata, rihbata <Pr. rah-batha, reh-baitha> Literally things spread out. Food-offerings, especially in the Zidqa brika. Rahmia = “devotions” <Pr. rah-mi> The name given to a series of prayers for the daily office. These prayers to be said at morning, noon, and sunset, every day of the week. The proper prayers for the day and hour are also recited before any rite can begin. Rahmi’il <Pr. Rah-mi-el> An 'uthra; he is much invoked in exorcisms, talismans and love-charms. Rasta <Pr. rus-ta> The complete dress, which consists of a tunic (sadra or ksuia), drawers (sarwaia), girdle (himiana), turban (burzinqa), and nasifa. The sarwala has a tie string (tikta or takta) and the ksuia a patch pocket (the dasa or disa). In addition to these a priest has his crown (taga), his ring (sum yawar), and his ritual staff (margna). Ratna Modern Mandaean colloquial dialect Raza secret, hidden, symbol Riha incense Ris head ris ama (p1. ris amia) Mandaean ethnarch. Risaia the first Rishama The minor daily and preliminary ritual ablutions Rud the name of the first female ancestor of the second age of the world Ruha <Pr. ruh-ha> (a) The spirit, the vital breathe that part of Man’s immaterial being which is swayed by physical desires. It originates with every individual, but, when death occurs, goes through purification after rebirth into an immortal state together with the nisimta. The masitqa ensures its rebirth. (b) The personified Ruha--Daughter of Qin, she was married to her brother Gaf. She was taken to the upper world by Hibil Ziwa, and brought the monster-child 'Ur to birth. She became 'Ur's paramour, and had by him two sets of children, the seven planets and the twelve Houses of the Zodiac. Myth apart, she is a personification of the Ruha, the emotional and passionate element in human nature. She is usually portrayed as the enemy of the soul, a sorceress and beguiler, in league with the planets to hold the soul back and to frustrate its aspirations towards the worlds of light. Mandaean eschatology represents the Ruha as surviving death like the nisimta (soul). After purification Ruha, and nisimta reunite and rise as one being into the realms of light. Sa (pl saia) A roll or scroll of bread used in ritual meals for the dead Sabbi (plural Sabba) see Subbi Sadra <Pr. sud-ra> See ksuia and rasta Samandar'il <Pr. Seman-dariel> Often mentioned in Mandaean literature; an 'uthra, a flower and blossom spirit. Sapta scroll Sarh explanation, commentary Sarat < Pr. Sha-rat> A female 'uthra called, " the great, first hidden Vine " Sarhabi'il <Pr. Shar-hab-yel> A female ‘uthra, also the name of the wife of the pair who re-peopled the world after its second destruction (by fire). The name comes from the root SRHB "to propagate ". He is also one of Ptahil's sons and rules a purgatory. Sarifa (Arabic word) Reed Hut Sarwaia (Sharwala) <Pr. sar-wai-a> Loose drawers, part of the ritual dress Sauri'iil < Pr. Sau-rI-el> The death angel, who comes to release the soul (nisimta) and detach the ruha from the body. Sauta Companion / companionship Sayh Sheik the title of the Mandaean priest. Sdum (Ash-diim) Ruler of an underworld—also a "warrior of darkness ", a gate and a demon. Sfar book Shaq The word means " cloud " or " clouds ". Also a son of Yusamin he rules over a purgatory. Sidra book; synonym of Ginza the “Book” par excellence Silmai <Pr. Shel-may) One of a pair of guardian spirits (over running water) (see Nidbai). Simat <Pr. Si-mat> " Treasure ". A favorite name with Mandaean women. Here the name or epithet is given to Ruha, a ship, one of Ptahil's wives, and a throne. Simat Hiia <Pr. Si-mad-Hei> Accent on second syllable "Treasure-of-Life ". Usually invoked with Yawar Ziwa. She is more often mentioned than any other female life-spirit, and like ‘Zlat represents the Mother principle of creation. Simiaiil A demon, also mentioned in the Ginza & Rabba Sindirka <Pr. sinndir-ka> (a) male palm tree (b) dates (c) the male principle in creation Siriata “loosening” prayer Sislam <Pr. Shish-lam> Usually Sislam Rba. He is the arch-type of priest and bridegroom. His marriage is the pattern for earthly marriages and his initiation and consecration as priest, the model for all such ceremonies (See Tarasa d Taga d Sislam Rba, a manuscript in the British Museum, and Sarh d Qabin d Sislam Rba. Sitlia plants Sitil < Pr. Shi-tel> Son of Adam Kasia, and son of his human counterpart Adam Pagria. When Adam the first man was told that his span of life had ended, Sitil offered to die in his stead. This filial action made him the purest of all human beings, and the soul of every human being after death is weighed in Abatur's scales against the soul of Sitil. One of Ptahil's sons is named after him, and he rules over a purgatory. Skandola Priest --Ring / Knife Skinta <Pr. shkhin-ta, esh-khinta> (a) A habitation, abode, resting, place, shecinah or in dwelling (b) A name given to the cult hut, also to hut of initiation Sualia (aswali) <Pr. shwall-I> “asker” postulant. The name given to a candidate for priesthood. Subbi (plural Subba) Mandaean --one who immerses Sum <Pr. shum> In the 'Niania and Drasa d Yahia, Sum is Shem, son of Noah and is also called Sam. " Sum " can also be merely an epithet. Sup Zaba Sea of Reeds (the biblical Red Sea); the Euphrates; infernal water. Surbai name of the first male ancestor of the third age of the world. Surhab’il name of the first female ancestor of the third age of the world. See Sarhabi'il Surta ritual isolation (especially on the occasions of childbirth, menstruation, and weddings). Tab good Tabahatan/d-abahatan “of our ancestors,” a prayer or a masiqta Tabutha The sacred food at ritual meals Tafair explanation Taga <Pr. ta-gha> Crown, ecclesiastically the woven silk fillet worn by a priest as a symbol of his office Tamasa tumusata baptismal immersion (without a priest). Tana (Pr. tanna> A word of uncertain meaning. Context suggest the following: a) a place of glowing heat, a crucible (b) a matrix (c) a heavenly being (possibly personified vapor or smoke of incense?) Tannur baking oven Tarik colophon, postscript Tariana <Pr. torri-ana> A round clay tray or table, standing on a clay ring Tarmida plural- tarmidia <Pr. tar-mi-da / tar-mi-di> A priest often called in ritual Mss “a king” Tauri’il <Pr. Tau-riel> This 'uthra is often invoked in exorcisms and magic. He is sometimes identified with Yawar and is mentioned in the Ginza Rabba, ‘Niania and other sacred texts. The bull, connected with sun-worship, and symbolical of fertility, had divine honors both in Babylonia and ancient Persia. Tibil the created world Tutifta Jewish headgear (tefillim?) Tura Mountain Tura d-Madai Mount of the Media, a mountain of the Mandaeans ‘Ur < Pr. Ur > The giant son of Ruha and her brother Gaf, and later his mother's paramour (see Ruha). It is supposed by Mandaeans that the world rests on his back and that the souls of the ungodly and unbelievers are drawn into his mouth and fiery interior. He is represented in sacred literature as rebellious and turbulent. ‘utra plural- ‘uthria <Pr. uth-ra> An ‘uthra is a spirit of light and life. Unlike malkia who are sometimes good and sometimes evil, ‘uthras are invariably pure and beneficent ‘ustad craftsman ‘ustuna lightworld body uraita Torah Yadatan (see Adatan) Yalufa A literate person Yardna <Pr. yard-na> Running water, a river, a stream or a pool within mandi-enclosure connected with a river or stream in such a manner that the water is perpetually flowing Yukabar Ziwa <Pr. Yu-kha-war Zi-wa> A spirit of light of high rank. Yusamin <Pr. Yu-sha-min accent on middle syllable> Just as Sislam is the pattern of perfect priesthood, Yusamin typifies the careless priest. Yuzataq <Pr. Yu-za-taq> Holy-Spirit - an epithet attached to Manda d Hiia Zahr’il negative spiritual entity; the sister of Ruha. Zakria Zacharias Zhara plural- zharia <ePr. zahara / zhari> (a) “caution”, “warning”, “admonition” (b) Directions written in close order in books of liturgical prayers etc. intended for the priest celebrating the rite. In general, a zhara corresponds to a "rubric" in a Christian prayerbook. If a long description of the ritual is inserted the word sarh is used; (c) an insertion. i.e. a place where the name of a person commerated is to be inserted in a prayer. Zidqa <Pr. zed-qa> apparently not used in the plural: (a) "Pious", "righteous" e. g. bhiria zidqa "elect righteous people" (pr. bhiri zedqa); (b) an oblation, a pious gift, alms, offertory. Zidqa brika “Blessed Oblation” <Pr. zedqa bri-kha> (no plural) This is a name given to certain types of ritual meal of very varying character. One type is performed for a wedding, there is also a Zidqa brika for a person who died without the proper rites for the dying and in ordinary dress, and, finally the zidqa brika which follows a masiqta. At this there is an elaborate myrtle ceremony, accompanied by ritual inhalation. The zidqa brika is not performed in the cult-hut, Zirqa unknown word (perhaps error for “zidqa) Ziwa <Pr. zi-wa> Radiance. This appears to be an active and male power of light in the mystical teaching or inner gnosis of Mandaeans: whereas nhura (light) represents its female complement. Zrazta A scroll on which a protective charm is written Zuta small |
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