Sabaeanism is a term used to describe the polytheistic religion of the Sabaeans, an ancient people from the Arabian Peninsula. The pronunciation of Sabaeanism is sah-bee-uh-niz-uhm, with the stress on the second syllable. The first vowel sound is a short "a", while the second and fourth are pronounced as a schwa sound. The third syllable has a long "i" sound. The word is spelled with two "a's", two "e's", and two "n's".
Sabaeanism refers to the religious and cultural practices associated with the ancient civilization of the Sabaeans. The Sabaeans were an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the region of southern Arabia, particularly in present-day Yemen, during the pre-Islamic period. Sabaeanism is characterized by its polytheistic beliefs and the worship of deities associated with nature, celestial bodies, and tribal spirits.
In Sabaeanism, the most prominent deity is Almaqah, who is considered the god of the moon, and is often depicted as a bull or a seated figure. Other important deities include Wadd, the god of love and fertility, and Balqis, the goddess of the sun and the planet Venus. These gods are believed to have control over various aspects of life, including agriculture, trade, and fertility.
Sabaeanism also involves complex rituals and ceremonies, often conducted by priests or shamans who act as intermediaries between the human and divine realms. These rituals include offerings, sacrifices, and prayers, which are aimed at seeking the favor of the deities, ensuring prosperity, and warding off evil spirits.
The Sabaean culture and religion greatly influenced the ancient civilizations of the region, including the neighboring Kingdoms of Sheba and Himyar. While the arrival of Islam in the 7th century led to the decline and eventual disappearance of Sabaeanism, traces of its religious practices and beliefs can still be found in the cultural heritage of Yemen and the surrounding areas.
The worship or doctrines of the Sabians.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Sabaeanism" refers to the religious practices and beliefs of the Sabaeans, an ancient civilization inhabiting the southern Arabian Peninsula. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Ancient Arabian kingdom of Saba, also known as Sheba, which flourished from the 8th to the 3rd century BCE.
The term "Sabaeanism" is derived from "Sabaean", which in turn comes from the Arabic word "Saba", meaning "Sabaeans" or "people of Saba". The Sabaeans were primarily known for their unique religious traditions, which involved the worship of numerous deities, including Almaqah, the chief god of the Sabaean pantheon.