sejem

Sejem refers to a traditional period of fasting and prayer observed by the Mandaeans, a Gnostic religious group indigenous to the river valleys of southern Iraq and southwestern Iran. This observance is one of the most important festivals in the Mandaean calendar. The exact timing of Sejem varies each year, as it is determined by the Mandaean lunar calendar. The duration of Sejem is typically for a few days, during which adherents abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.

During the Sejem period, Mandaeans engage in increased prayer, religious study, and reflection. It is a time for spiritual purification and seeking divine favor. Special rituals may be performed, and families often gather to share in the religious atmosphere. The observance emphasizes themes of humility, repentance, and a closer connection to the spiritual world. Sejem is a time when Mandaeans reflect on their faith and strive for spiritual growth. It is a period that is deeply ingrained in their religious and cultural practices, passed down through generations.