Himiana


The himiana is a sacred ritual girdle or belt used by the Mandaeans. Traditionally, it is white, tubular, and made of wool.

Etymology

Himiana is a Persian loanword, like burzinqa and margna.

Description

Unlike the Zoroastrian kushti, which is made of 72 threads, the Mandaean himiana is made of 60 woolen threads.
The himiana has a sewn end and an unsewn end. The sewn end, in the form of a loop, is called the arwa. The unsewn end, resembling a tassel, is called the karkuša.

Prayer

According to Drower, the following prayer is recited when a lay Mandaean puts on the himiana.
Mandaic transliterationEnglish translation