Kislimu rituals of the Harranian Sabians (1)

Text
al-Nadīm, Fihrist 9.1:
On the 4th day they erect a dome which they name the Chamber of Balthā (= Bēltu) who is Venus, the flashing goddess, whom they call the Glowing. They erect this dome on the marble of the inner shrine, hanging many kinds of fragrant fruits on it, with dried roses, citrons, small lemons, and such other fruits as they can obtain, whether dry or fresh. In front of this dome they slaughter sacrificial beasts chosen from as many kinds of animals as possible, four-footed beasts and birds, saying “They are slaughtered for our goddess Balthā, who is Venus.” They do this for seven days and during these days they also burn many offerings of animals for the gods and goddesses who are hidden, far removed, but substituted for (= returning periodically). They also (offer) plants of the water. On the 30th day of it (the month) there is the beginning of the month of the “Head of Praise”. On this day the priest sits on (the top step of) an elevated pulpit with nine steps. He takes a tamarisk rod in his hand and then, as the procession passes by him, he strikes each one of them (= worshippers) with the stick three, five, or seven times. Then he preaches a sermon to them, in which he calls (prays) for all of them to live, to increase the number of their offspring, and to gain power and superiority over all nations.

Source (list of abbreviations)
al-Nadīm, Fihrist 9.1

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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