Happy Ayyam'i'Ha and Happy Spring!
Happy Ayyam'i'Ha!!!
This is seriously my favorite holiday. Here's a useful little blurb about the Baha'i holiday [from BWNS]:
Baha'is throughout the world celebrate their annual festive period with hospitality, gift giving, charity, and social gatherings. These activities, which run from the evening of 25 February until sunset on March 1, serve as a spiritual preparation for the annual Baha'i fast, which begins on March 2 and ends on March 20.
Of this period, known as the "Ayyam-i-Ha," Baha'u'llah wrote: "It behoveth the people of Baha, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name."
Just a note: Ayyam-i-Ha means, literally, "Five Days". I thought I'd point that out just to make it clear that there isn't really a religious significance to this holiday. In this way, it differs dramatically from Christmas. Clearly, it embodies what people refer to as 'the spirit of Christmas', but Baha'u'llah's birthday is in November. It is a wonderful holiday given to us simply to be happy!
As for spring, I imagine most of you think I am absolutely insane, however it is clearly spring here! The raining is largely done with, which sort of depresses me. We probably won't see rain again until October - ick. It is gorgeous out now though - sweater weather - my favorite! And I love the smell of spring - of fresh soil, blossoms, and a hint of rain. Mmmm!
Have a great weekend!
Comments
yay!!!! I love Ayyam-i-Ha...it started 45 minutes ago in New Mexico... and its all about celebrations here!!! we are having a potluck, an activity for children, a party.. what else?? umm.. i think that's it... sooo much fun!
AND SOON THE FAST! i am sooo excited about the Fast!
Posted by: sjona | February 26, 2005 05:19 AM
Tonight is our community party. I'm making humus and a veggie tray. Libba is coming as well as Malathi and her husband (who is bringing Indian 'snack' (read - junk) food. Yummm! And I am making earrings to hang on Cindy's gift tree. Everyone gets to take a pair. If they want to. I miss the family, but at least we still have this. Jamal and Alana have come up for it and Carmel will be there too! I can't wait to see her.
Posted by: Maman Nannie | February 26, 2005 08:23 PM
Wow, sounds like fun! I am skeptical that Ayyamiha means five days. For one, there was a speaker who explained that it means the days of ha, which is a letter in the alphabet or someting like that...plus, it's only five days once every four years.
Posted by: Rae | February 27, 2005 02:39 AM
Sorry, Rae - further explanation: it is a letter, and in Persian, every letter has a numerical value - ha is 5.
Posted by: Mara | February 27, 2005 09:55 AM