Ayyam-i-Ha Calendar!

Well, I finally finished it and just in time for the beginning of the Baha’i month before Ayyam-i-Ha. In a few days I will be putting a little treat (like some dried cranberries or banana chips) in each pocket for Olee for each of the 19 days before Ayyam-i-Ha starts. I got the idea from my sister who made a really beautiful one.

Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days) is the time of gift giving, celebration and service for Baha’is. It lasts for 4 days (5 on leap year) from February 26 – March 1.

I choose to put animals on the front because Olee really likes animals, especially the African variety. I made the calendar out of felt and thread that I bought from the dollar store and the blue background was from some fabric I had left over from a curtain project that never came to fruition. I sketched the animals out on paper first by looking them up on google images and then cut them out and pinned and cut them out of the felt. I did the same with the numbers, letters, balloons and pockets. I glued everything on using dollar store craft glue and I sewed on the bigger pieces and the pockets for extra reinforcement.

I absolutely love anything to do with Ayyam-i-Ha because of all the wonderful memories I have from when I was growing up. My Mom is such a great celebrator of all holidays, and since Baha’is do not necessarily celebrate Christmas, this is was our time to have lots of parties, eat lots of good treats, give gifts, do service for others and create lasting memorable family traditions. Every year we used listen to the William Sears Happy Ayyam-i-Ha record, paint sugar cookies with colorful icing and go and sing songs for the elderly in nursing homes and give them the cookies. I still remember when I was a really small girl wearing a big dress and twirling it around and around in front of all the old people. I am excited to be able to share these fun and special traditions with my children aswell. (Though probably we won’t be singing for the old people this year- I still need to find a service project that I can do with both kids, any ideas?)

Here is a great idea I read from a good friend Cheryl :
Years ago my mom and I created ‘Fast Banners” for each of the girls, based on the advent calendar too. I wanted to be able to have the girls be aware of the difference between Ayyam-i-Ha and the 19 Day Fast – and each pocket would have instructions for them – help make supper, learn a new prayer, or questions – explain who Baha’u’llah was, etc. They still look forward to it – and it has impressed the importance of this spiritual time on them. (and on the 20th day – Naw Ruz- they would find a surprise in the little pocket!).