InMandaeism, thelofani,laufani,[1] orlaufania (Classical Mandaic:ࡋࡀࡅࡐࡀࡍࡉࡀ[2]) is a type of ritual meal commemorating the dead.[3] It is etymologically related to the wordlaufa ("spiritual communion"), since lofani meals symbolize the connection of the souls of the living and the dead. The meal sometimes contains sacrificed sheep or dove meat.[4]
The lofani is a minor ritual meal which does not require the presence of a priest.[5]: 232 It is distinct from thezidqa brikha anddukrana, which are two other types of ritual meal offered for the dead.[4]
DuringAbu al-Haris, a day of remembrance commemorating the drowned people ofNoah's flood (on the first day of the 6th Mandaean monthSarṭana), grains and cereals are eaten as part of a special lofani.[6]: 17
