Drabsha Explained

The drabsha^{[1] [2]} (ࡃࡓࡀࡁࡔࡀ|translit=drabša; Modern Mandaic: drafšā^[3]) or darfash (Arabic: درفش) is the symbol of the Mandaean faith. It is typically translated as 'banner'.^[4]

Etymology

The Mandaic term drabša is derived from the Middle Persian word drafš, which means 'banner or standard; a flash of light; sunrise'. In Mandaic, drabša can also mean 'a ray or beam of light'.^[5]

An uncommon variant spelling is drapša, which may have been the original spelling.^[6]

Description and symbolism

The 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 drabša 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).^[7] The seven branches of myrtle represent the seven days of creation.^{[8] [9]} The drabsha is viewed as a symbol of light and the light of the sun, moon and stars is envisaged to shine from it. It may be of pre-Christian origin and used originally to hang a prayer shawl during immersion in the river (masbuta).^[10]

Prayers

In E. S. Drower's version of the Qulasta, prayers 330–347 (corresponding to Part 4 of Mark Lidzbarski's Oxford Collection) are dedicated to the drabša. In many of these prayers, which mention the unfurling of drabshas, individual drabshas have given names.^[11]

• Šišlamiel (various prayers)
• Šašlamiel (prayer 347)
• Manhariel (prayer 334)
• Pirun (prayer 333) (also the name of a gufna)
• Zihrun (prayers 332, 340, 341, 374)

See also

• Kushta
• Rasta (Mandaeism), white ritual clothing used by Mandaeans
• Temple menorah, represents light of God and symbolizes creation in seven days

External links

• Preparing the drabsha (video)

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. Drower, Ethel Stefana (1937). The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran. Oxford at the Clarendon Press.
3. Book: Ginza Rba . Gelbert . Carlos . 2011 . Living Water Books . Sydney . 9780958034630.
4. Van Rompay . Sandi . 2010 . The Symbolism of the Drabša in the Mandaean Illustrated Manuscripts: The Drabša of Radiance . ARAM Periodical . 22 . 263–310 . 10.2143/ARAM.22.0.2131041.
5. Book: Drower, E. S. . E. S. Drower . The Secret Adam: A Study of Nasoraean Gnosis . . Eugene, Oregon . 2020 . 978-1-5326-9763-0 . 1149751154 . en.
6. Book: Segelberg, Eric . Eric Segelberg . 1958 . Maṣbuta: Studies in the Ritual of Mandaean Baptism . Uppsala . Almqvist and Wiksell.
7. Web site: Mite. Valentinas. 14 July 2004. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 4 November 2021. Iraq: Old Sabaean-Mandean Community is Proud of Its Ancient Faith.
8. Web site: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - USEK. 27 November 2017. Open discussion with the Sabaeans Mandaeans. YouTube. 9 November 2021.
9. Web site: Sly. Liz. 'This is one of the world's oldest religions, and it is going to die.'. 9 November 2021. Chicago Tribune. 16 November 2008. en-US.
10. Web site: Mandaean Awareness and Guidance Board. 28 May 2014. Mandaean Beliefs & Mandaean Practices. Mandaean Associations Union. 10 November 2021.
11. Book: Drower, E. S.. The Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaeans. E. J. Brill. 1959. Leiden.