Taura (month) explained

Calendar:Mandaean calendar
Num:4
Days:30
Season:abhar (spring)
Gregorian:October / November
Holidays:Ead Fel (Taura 2-4)
Dehwa Hanina (Taura 18)
Prev Month:Embra
Next Month:Silmia

Taura (ࡕࡀࡅࡓࡀ), alternatively known as Ayar (ࡀࡉࡀࡓ|translit=Aiar),[1] is the fourth month of the Mandaean calendar.[2]

The month begins with the festival of Ead Fel, during which crushed dates with roasted sesame seeds are eaten. It is followed by 3 days of light fasting on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of Taura. Dehwa Hanina, the Little Feast, is celebrated on the 18th day of Taura.[3]

It is the Mandaic name for the constellation Taurus.[2] It currently corresponds to October / November in the Gregorian calendar due to a lack of a leap year in the Mandaean calendar.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Häberl, Charles . The Book of Kings and the Explanations of This World: A Universal History from the Late Sasanian Empire . Liverpool . Liverpool University Press . 2022 . 978-1-80085-627-1.
  2. Book: Bhayro, Siam. Hellenistic Astronomy . Cosmology in Mandaean Texts. Brill. 2020-02-10. https://brill.com/view/book/edcoll/9789004400566/BP000051.xml. 2021-09-03. 572–579. 10.1163/9789004400566_046. 9789004243361 . 213438712 .
  3. Book: Gelbert, Carlos. The Mandaeans and the Jews. Living Water Books. Edensor Park, NSW. 2005. 0-9580346-2-1. 68208613.