Misha (Mandaeism) Explained

In Mandaeism, misha (ࡌࡉࡔࡀ|translit=miša) is anointing sesame oil used during rituals such as the masbuta (baptism) and masiqta (death mass), both of which are performed by Mandaean priests.[1] [2]

Etymology

The Mandaic word miša shares the same root with Mšiha ("Messiah"; ࡌࡔࡉࡄࡀ|lit=The Anointed One). However, Mandaeans do not use the word mšiha to refer to Mandaeans who have been anointed during rituals, in order to distance themselves from Christianity.[3]

In the Qulasta

Several prayers in the Qulasta are recited over the oil, including prayers 48, 63, and 73.[4] In some prayers, misha referred to as misha dakia, or "pure oil."

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen. The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. Oxford University Press. New York. 2002. 0-19-515385-5. 65198443.
  2. Book: Drower, Ethel Stefana. The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran. Oxford At The Clarendon Press. 1937.
  3. Drower, E. S. 1960. The Secret Adam: A Study of Nasoraean Gnosis. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
  4. Book: Drower, E. S.. The Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaeans. E. J. Brill. 1959. Leiden.