Dehwa Hanina Explained

Holiday Name:	Dehwa Hanina
Type:	Religious
Nickname:	Dihba Hanina, Dihba Hnina, Dehwa Ṭurma, Dihba ḏ-Ṭirma
Observedby:	Mandaeans

In the Mandaean calendar, Dehwa Hanina (ࡃࡉࡄࡁࡀ ࡄࡍࡉࡍࡀ|translit=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]

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]

Symbolism

The festival symbolizes three things:^[3]

• 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

• Hibil

Notes and References

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