Drabsha

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Darfash - Mandaean cross.svg
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The drabsha[1][2] (Classical Mandaic: ࡃࡓࡀࡁࡔࡀ) or darfash (Arabic: درفش) is the symbol of the Mandaean faith. It is typically translated as 'banner'.

Description and symbolism[]

The drabsha (drabša) is a banner in the shape of a cross made of two branches of olive wood fastened together and half covered with a piece of white cloth traditionally made of pure silk, and seven branches of myrtle. The drabsha white silk banner is not identified with the Christian cross. Instead, the four arms of the drabsha symbolize the four corners of the universe, while the pure silk cloth represents the Light of God (Hayyi Rabbi).[3] The seven branches of myrtle represent the seven days of creation.[4][5] The drabsha is viewed as a symbol of light and the light of the sun, moon and stars is envisaged to shine from it.[6] It may be of pre-Christian origin and used originally to hang a prayer shawl (see tallit) during immersion in the river (masbuta).[6]

Prayers[]

In E. S. Drower's version of the Qolasta, prayers 330-347 (corresponding to Part 4 of Mark Lidzbarski's Oxford Collection) are dedicated to the drabsha.[7]

Gallery[]

  • Mandaean drabsha (darfash), symbol of the Mandaean faith

  • Artistic rendition of the Mandaean drabsha

  • An actual drabsha (left) next to a symbolic drabsha (center) at the Ganzibra Dakhil Mandi in Liverpool, Sydney, Australia

  • A drabsha (center) carried during a Parwanaya festival held in Maysan Governorate, southern Iraq in March 2019

  • A drabsha being carried to the Tigris River

  • Example of a drabsha (right), with a priest reciting from a prayerbook during a masbuta ritual by the Karun River in Ahvaz, Iran (center)

  • Example of a drabsha (right), with a tarmida priest reciting from a prayerbook during a masbuta ritual by the Karun River in Ahvaz, Iran (center)

  • A drabsha (darfash) golden necklace

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.
  2. ^ Drower, Ethel Stefana (1937). The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran. Oxford at the Clarendon Press.
  3. ^ Mite, Valentinas (14 July 2004). "Iraq: Old Sabaean-Mandean Community is Proud of Its Ancient Faith". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  4. ^ Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - USEK (27 November 2017). "Open discussion with the Sabaeans Mandaeans". YouTube. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  5. ^ Sly, Liz (16 November 2008). "'This is one of the world's oldest religions, and it is going to die.'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  6. ^ a b Mandaean Awareness and Guidance Board (28 May 2014). "Mandaean Beliefs & Mandaean Practices". Mandaean Associations Union. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  7. ^ Drower, E. S. (1959). Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaeans. Leiden: E.J. Brill.

External links[]

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