The himiana (; modern Mandaic pronunciation: hemyanā) 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 (turban) and margna (staff).
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 (ࡀࡓࡅࡀ). The unsewn end, resembling a tassel, is called the karkuša (ࡊࡀࡓࡊࡅࡔࡀ).
Prayer According to Drower (1937), the following prayer is recited when a lay Mandaean puts on the himiana.
+ Mandaic transliteration English translation
See also Kushti Zunnar Girdle Zone (vestment)
References
External links Tying the turban and the sacred belt (The Worlds of Mandaean Priests)