| Bahá'í Holy Days |
 |
 |
 |
|
Bahá’í Holy Days are days dedicated to the celebration of a ‘new year’, commemoration of anniversaries of the birth or passing of the Central Figures of the Faith as well as occasions that are significant milestones in the history of the Faith. These holy days are often observed by the reading or chanting of Bahá’í prayers, sometimes readings from Bahá’í texts and scriptures of other Faiths, and passages recounting episodes in Bahá’í history relevant to the occasion, most often accompanied by music suitable for the occasion. There is no clergy or ritual, or set practices to commemorate the holy days. Different communities may organize different programmes of devotional character appropriate to the day in question. Holy Days of celebrative nature often include artistic contributions of music, dance, mime, and crafts, as well as refreshments, according to local custom. There are 11 days of observance, of which 9 are Holy Days. The Holy Days require that Bahá'ís abstain from work. Children are required to take leave from school where possible. Participation in the commemorations of Bahá’í holy days are open to all. Ridván* (pronounced Riz-vahn) period - April 21, April 29, and May 2 It was during this period that Bahá’u’lláh declared His mission as the most recent Messenger of God. Bahá’ís observe the first, ninth, and twelfth days of this period (i.e. April 21, 29, and May 2). The actual event, namely the Declaration by Bahá’u’lláh that He was the One prophesied in all the Holy Scriptures of the past occurred in a garden, called Ridván (Paradise), in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1863. Baha‘u‘llah has ordained this festival as the Most Great Festival. Declaration of the Báb* - May 23 The Bahá’í Faith began in Persia (now Iran) on this day in 1844. It commemorates the announcement by the Prophet known as the Bab of His mission as a Founder of a new Faith and forerunner of a Prophet greater than Himself, Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í calendar dates from this year. The event is usually celebrated about two hours after sunset on May 22. Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh* - May 29 This date marks the passing of Bahá’u’lláh in 1892, in Acre (Akka), in the Holy Land. At the time of His ascension, was still a prisoner of the Shah of Persia and the Ottoman Empire for 40 years. The event is usually observed at the actual time of His passing, 3:00 a.m. Martyrdom of the Báb* - July 9 The Báb was put to death at the age of 31 by a firing squad in the market square of Tabriz, Persia, in 1850. This event is observed at noon. Birth of the Báb* - October 20 The Báb was born Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad, in Shiraz in south-western Iran in 1819. His title, in Arabic, means “The Gate.” Birth of Bahá’u’lláh* - November 12 Bahá’u’lláh, was born Mirzá Husayn ‘Ali, was from a leading noble family of Persia in 1817. His name is an Arabic title meaning “The Glory of God.” Day of the Covenant - November 26 The eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, Abdu’l-Bahá, is referred to as the “Centre of the Covenant.” The Covenant was established by Bahá’u’lláh to safeguard the unity of the Bahá’í community. This day is a celebration of the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (a name meaning “Servant of the Glory”), who is revered by Bahá’ís as the most exemplary Bahá’í and is not regarded as a prophet. It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish that the Covenant be observed rather than His own birthday. Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - November 28 After years of serving both His father and the growing Bahá’í community, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away in Haifa, Israel, on this day in 1921. During His life, He accomplished much, writing extensively, interpreting many of His father’s writings, answering queries, safeguarding the unity of the Faith, travelling extensively to visit Bahá’ís around the world, and addressing interested groups of all kinds at various gatherings and different audiences. Intercalary Days - February 26 - March 1 The Intercalary Days are four days (five in a leap year) that do not belong to any Bahá’í month. They are days dedicated to doing charitable works, and these come just before the beginning of the fasting month. Naw-Rúz* (New Year) - March 21 Bahá’ís celebrate Naw-Ruz (Bahá’í New Year) on the first day of spring, or Equinox. Naw-Ruz also marks the end of the Bahá’í Fast.
|
