A KEY TRADITION IN THE MANDAEAN RELIGION

The three different types of Baptism.

In the Mandaean religion there are three different types of baptism that takes place due to various reasons, they include: Rishma, Tamasha and Masbuta baptisms. The Rishma baptism is traditionally performed daily before sunrise. The second type, Tamasha baptism, traditionally consits of three immersions into the river, it must be performed by women after mensturation and after childbirth. The third baptism, Masbuta, traditionally is a full baptism and must be performed by a priest or priestess which takes place on Sunday's.

Process of Baptism

Baptism consists of wearing a white sacral robe (resta), which will be soaked in water when the person enters the river/lake. Once the person enters the lake/river, the priest splashes the water on the person, at the same time he is also saying sacred words to cleanse and rid him/her of their sins. After the person is stricken on the forehead with sesame seeds, the person is also given a sample of bread and water, and the handshake of "truth" (kushta). Water is widely used throughout the Mandaean community including immersions such as in weddings, ritual slaughter, foot washing and also for drinking purposes.

History of Baptism

Baptism can only take place in flowing water, hence in rivers. All rivers suitable for baptism bare the name Jordan (Yardana). It is believed that these Jordans are fed from the Holy World of Light. The purpose and significance of baptism is first that it washes away impurity and removes misbehaviours and sins from the soul. Adam was known to be the first Mandaean to be baptized. Without baptism it is believed that no Mandaean (or their soul) may pass on to the next world.