ratiep, noun
/raˈtip/
- Forms:
- Also ratieb, ratip.
- Origin:
- Afrikaans, MalayShow more Afrikaans, from Malay ratib a sacred formula acknowledging Allah.
In the Cape Muslim community: a. khalifa sense 1 b; b. the rhythmical recitation of a sacred formula during this sword-ritual. Also attributive.
1944 I.D. Du Plessis Cape Malays 90Chalifah or Khalifa (Caliph) is the name of the central person conducting the ceremony; but in South Africa the word is often used for the ceremony itself, especially by the Europeans. The Malays use ratiep for the actual dance.
1989 C. Chapman in Edgars Club Apr. 45The dancers work themselves into a trance by means of a rhythm which is called Ratiep. This enables them to stick skewers through their cheeks and walk on burning coals, which is a demonstration of their faith.
the rhythmical recitation of a sacred formula during this sword-ritual. Also attributive.
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