FILATTERIE (Gr. φιλακτήρια “amulets”). - Strips of parchment on which passages from the Mosaic law are written. This custom, attested among the Jews not only by the Gospel (Mt. 23, 5), but also by Flavio Giuseppe (Antiq. Jud., IV, 21-23) and by ancient Christian writers, is connected with a false interpretation of the fervent recommendation in Ex. 13, 9.16 and Deut. 6, 8; 11, 18, to remember and observe God’s law constantly.
As a result of a servile exegesis, the obligation was introduced (perhaps as early as the time of Esdra, or shortly thereafter) of a prayer accessory, composed of the “divine words” (Deut. 6, 4-9; 11, 13-21; Num. 15, 37-41), transcribed on pieces of parchment and enclosed in two leather capsules, which, at the time of prayer, were tied to the left arm and to the head, so that the capsule hung between the eyes. In the Mižnāh they are called itphilīlu (“prayers”), and precise regulations are given concerning them. Neither women, nor slaves, nor children were to wear them. Connected with this practice is that of the mižnāh. Angelo Pena