Misha (Mandaeism)

In Mandaeism, misha (Classical Mandaic: ࡌࡉࡔࡀ, romanized: miša) is anointing sesame oil used during rituals such as the masbuta (baptism) and masiqta (death mass), both of which are performed by Mandaean priests.^[1][2]

Etymology

The Mandaic word miša shares the same root with Mšiha ("Messiah"; Classical Mandaic: ࡌࡔࡉࡄࡀ, lit. 'The Anointed One'). However, Mandaeans do not use the word mšiha to refer to Mandaeans who have been anointed during rituals, in order to distance themselves from Christianity.^[3]

In the Qulasta

Further information: Qulasta § List of prayers

Several prayers in the Qulasta are recited over the oil, including prayers 48, 63, and 73.^[4] In some prayers, misha referred to as misha dakia, or "pure oil."

See also

• Holy anointing oil
• Oil of catechumens
• Riha (incense)