Ayyam-i-Wha?

What is Ayyam-i-Ha?

For most folks, if I were to mention celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha, they would have no idea what in the world I was referring to. To understand what Ayyam-i-Ha is, first one must understand the Baha’i calendar. Each Baha’i month is made up of 19 days and there are 19 months in a Baha’i year. Between the 18th and 19th month of the year are 4-5 (depending upon leap year) days that do not fit into a month. These are called Intercalary Days or Ayyam-i-Ha. This year, Ayyam-i-Ha is 4 days long and it begins at sunset on February 25th and goes to sunset on March 1st.

Planning for Ayyam-i-Ha

While other faiths have Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other special celebrations, the Baha’i’s celebrate Ayyam-i-Ha as one of their biggest celebrations.  Baha’i families and communities use these days for gift-giving, charity and celebration. There are no set traditions but each individual family can mold their celebrations into an expression of themselves and their faith.  When planning their celebrations, Baha’i’s can read some of the Holy writings for guidance.  Bahá'u'lláh's own instructions in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas:

Let the days in excess of the months be placed before the month of fasting. We have ordained that these, amid all days and nights, shall be the manifestations of the letter Há, and thus they have not been bounded by the limits of the year and its months. It behoveth the people of Bahá, 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, and when they end--these days of giving that precede the season of restraint--let them enter upon the Fast.

(p. 25)

"The letter 'Há' has been given several spiritual meanings in the Holy Writings, among which is as a symbol of the Essence of God.

(Note #28, p. 178)

So, how do I bring together gift-giving, charity and celebration along with remembering that Ayyam-i-Ha also means “days of Ha” (which as stated above is the Essence of God) while still honoring the different beliefs in my household?

First and foremost I believe that the Essence of God is Love. With that in mind, I would like to bring focus to that through a countdown of sorts in the 19 days leading up to Ayyam-i-Ha.  I really like some of the countdown activities I’ve found on other Baha’i Family blogs out there.

Veritable Treasures

Nurturing The Tender Years

I like the idea of activities each day, but with our schedule I’m not sure how feasible that will be. I will have to see what I come up with. I may do a combination of activities with reading various quotes about love and unity from various cultures and faiths.

I’m open to ideas and suggestions and will be sure to post a follow up post with a completed countdown calendar and description of what is in each pocket!


Blessings and Love,
Kim