Klila
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In Mandaeism, the klila (Classical Mandaic: ࡊࡋࡉࡋࡀ, Modern Mandaic pronunciation: [kəˈlilæ]) is a small myrtle (Classical Mandaic: ࡀࡎࡀ, romanized: asa) wreath or ring (translated as "circlet" by E. S. Drower[1]) used during Mandaean religious rituals. The klila is a female symbol that complements the taga, a white crown which always takes on masculine symbolism.[2][3]
The klila is used to adorn the drabsha, a wooden cross covered with a white cloth that is the main symbol of Mandaeism.[2]
The klila that is used for wearing on the right little finger is made by splitting a young myrtle twig with leaves in half, and then intertwining the two split halves to make a ring that can fit around the finger.[3]
Use in rituals
In the Qulasta
Several prayers in the Qulasta are recited when consecrating and putting on the klila, including prayers 19, 46, 47, 61, and 79.[1]
In E. S. Drower's version of the Qulasta, prayers 305-329 are recited for the klila, as well as for the taga.[1]
Hazazban (or Haza-Zban) is mentioned in Qulasta prayers 19 and 27 as an uthra who sets wreaths (klila) upon the heads of Mandaeans who are performing masbuta.[1]
Syriac parallels
In the Syriac Peshitta, the word klila (Classical Syriac: ܟܠܝܠܐ, lit. 'wreath') is used to refer to Jesus' crown of thorns in the Gospels. In contrast, tga (Classical Syriac: ܬܓܐ, lit. 'diadem'), cognate with Mandaic taga, is used to refer to heavenly crowns in the Book of Revelation.[4]
