 A Mandaean priestly initiate wearing the himiana (bottom) | |
| Type | girdle orbelt |
|---|---|
| Material | wool |
| Place of origin | southernIraq and southwesternIran |
Thehimiana (Classical Mandaic:ࡄࡉࡌࡉࡀࡍࡀ; modern Mandaic pronunciation:hemyanā) is a sacred ritualgirdle orbelt used by theMandaeans.[1] Traditionally, it is white, tubular, and made ofwool.[2]
Himiana is a Persian loanword, likeburzinqa (turban) andmargna (staff).[3]
Unlike the Zoroastriankushti, which is made of 72 threads, the Mandaean himiana is made of 60 woolen threads.[2][3]
The himiana has a sewn end and an unsewn end. The sewn end, in the form of a loop, is called thearwa (ࡀࡓࡅࡀ). The unsewn end, resembling atassel, is called thekarkuša (ࡊࡀࡓࡊࡅࡔࡀ).[4]
According to Drower (1937), the following prayer is recited when a lay Mandaean puts on the himiana.[2]: 31
| Mandaic transliteration | English translation |
|---|---|
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