Fatira facts for kids

In Mandaeism, faṭira is a special kind of small, round, and salt-free biscuit. It's only baked a little bit, so it's often called "half-baked." Faṭiras are very important in Mandaean religious ceremonies.

What is Faṭira?

Faṭira is a unique type of bread used by Mandaeans. Mandaeism is an ancient religion that follows the teachings of John the Baptist. This special biscuit is made without salt. It is also only partly cooked. Faṭiras are usually small and round.

Faṭira's Role in Rituals

Faṭiras play a key role in Mandaean religious ceremonies. They are especially used in a ritual called the Ṭabahata Masiqta. This name means "masiqta of the Parents." During this ceremony, faṭiras are placed on special clay trays. These trays are known as ṭariana.

Faṭira vs. Pihta

Faṭira is different from another type of sacred bread called pihta. The main difference is the salt.

• Faṭira has no salt. It is used in rituals for the dead, like the masiqta (a death mass).
• Pihta usually contains salt. When used for living people, the salt in pihta stands for the souls of those who are alive. However, pihta is also made without salt when it's used in death rituals, just like faṭira.

The Ṣa Flatbread

Another special flatbread used in Mandaean rituals is called the ṣa. This bread is rolled up like a scroll. It often contains tasty ingredients like nuts and raisins. The ṣa is also used in special meals for the dead.