It is our sincere hope that our humble offerings here will contribute in a small way towards the creation of a shared Bahá’í culture and help children feel a stronger sense of Bahá’í identity, as they discover special and fun ways to celebrate our holidays. This book is a labor of love, which we hope will serve the community as it celebrates this wonderful time of year. The ideas shared here are intended to cover a wide age range (2 - 11 years old), so pick and choose the ones that best fit your family or class. We would love to hear from you about how you celebrate Ayyám-i-Há in your community, and especially how you are using the ideas in this book. You can reach us at alldonemonkey@gmail.com & xiao.artists@gmail.com.

Happy Ayyám-i-Há! Leanna

From The AuthorsPlease visit us online at CreativeWorldofVarya.com & Alldonemonkey.com

Every Bahá’í event or celebration I am all over the Internet looking for ideas to use with my family. Being a relatively new blogger (since 2010) I have also been trying to post some unique ideas on my blog and share them with friends and acquaintances. I was so happy when Leanna approached me to write this e-book together. It is a great way to compile some ideas, recipes and activities for Ayyám-i-Há to share with others. Some of these ideas have been previously shared on our blogs (Alldonemonkey.com and CreativeWorldOfVarya.com), but others have never been published before.I hope you enjoy this compilation! Thank you for reading!

Happy Ayyam-i-Ha! Varya

We would like to thank our families for their support.

We would also like to thank our readers for their comments and suggestions:

- US Bahá’í National Review Office- Jennifer of Spanish Playground- Chelsea of Enable Me to Grow- Honey of Honey’s Quilling- Sarmad of holy mariner- Pat Rosser

Acknowledgments

Ayyám-i-Há is a holiday celebrated by Bahá’ís around the world every year from February 26 to March 1. It is a time of charity and celebrations, just before the 19 day Fast that leads up to our New Year on March 21.

For more information on Ayyám-i-Há: http://www.bahai.us/2012/02/24/days-outside-of-time-festival-reveres-eternal-essence-of-god-2/

For more information on the Bahá’í Faith: http://www.bahai.org/

For Bahá’í-inspired parenting blogs: http://www.bahaimomblogs.com/

Follow our Ayyám-i-Há board on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MKBlogs/ayyam-i-ha/

Join our Bahá’í Parenting Google + community: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/101793054661269139087

The Bahá’í celebration of Ayyám-i-Há“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.” -Bahá’u’lláh

Table of Contents1. From the Authors

2. Acknowledgments

3. Introduction to Ayyám-i-Há and Useful Links

4. Ayyám-i-Há Craft Ideas:- DIY Flower Tutorial- Daffodil Craft- DIY Cards- Star Treat Bags- Ayyám-i-Há Countdown Chain Activity- Virtues Tree Countdown

5. Ayyám-i-Há Treats:- Nine-Pointed Star Cookie Cutter Tutorial- Nine-Pointed Star Cake Tutorial- Sugar Cookies- Banana Strawberry Bread- Fruit Pizza- Persian Tea- Orange Punch

6. Ayyám-i-Há Jokes7. Ayyám-i-Há Printable Activities:- Patterns- Tracing- Math- Number Maze- Crossword Puzzle- Word Search

Bahá’ís believe arts and crafts are important for enriching the life of humanity and uplifting souls.

“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.” -Bahá’u’lláh (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf)

“In this Day the sun of craftsmanship shineth above the horizon of the occident and the river of arts is flowing out of the sea of that region. One must speak with fairness and appreciate such bounty...” - Bahá'u'lláh (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

In this chapter we offer ideas for crafts for Ayyám-i-Há that are fun and easy to do with children.

Ayyám-i-Há Craft Ideas

“O FRIEND! In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love, and from the nightingale of affection and desire loosen not thy hold. Treasure the companionship of the righteous and eschew all fellowship with the ungodly.”

Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, from The Persian, #3

As a symbol of new life, flowers are a traditional part of spring festivals throughout the world. Since Ayyám-i-Há comes just before spring in the Northern Hemisphere, many families choose to celebrate by decorating their homes with spring flowers. Here are some ideas on how to make flowers with children.

DIY Flower Tutorial

This simple craft could be an addition to your Ayyám-i-Há cards or used for decorating your home to celebrate the approach of spring.You will need:- Construction paper (3 colors)- Flower pattern (see next page)- Pencil- Scissors- GlueInstructions:1. Using the pattern on the next page, trace the flower, leaves, and stem on the construction paper.2. Cut out and glue the parts together.3. Insert the flowers into your Ayyám-i-Há cards (see below) or use them to decorate your house.

Flower Tutorial Pattern

Daffodil CraftThis is a fun craft to celebrate the coming of spring. It is great for parties and can be adapted according to the interest and ability of the child. Those that want to spend more time on it can do so, while those that don't can still have an attractive finished product that they can wave around proudly as they rush off to play!

You will need (per flower):- 1 baking cup or small paper cup (These can either be yellow or orange, like the center of the daffodil, or they can be plain white, so that the children can decorate them)- 1 small paper plate- 2 green pipe cleaners- Knife (to punch a hole in the plate and cup)- Markers or crayons- Patience (amount needed varies depending on the number of kids and whether they have had snacks yet or not!)

Daffodil Craft (continued)

Instructions:

For adults to do in advance:1. Poke a hole through the center of the paper plate and the bottom of the cup. It

needs to be just big enough for the pipe cleaners to go through.2. Twist the pipe cleaners together to make the stalk. (One pipe cleaner alone is not

strong enough to hold up the flower). Older children can assist with this step.

To do with the kids:1. Let the kids decorate the plates using markers or crayons.2. Push the pipe cleaners first through the hole in the paper plate and then through the

cup. Turn the ends at a ninety degree angle so the pipe cleaners do not slide back out through the holes. Older children can assist with this step.

Giving gifts is a wonderful tradition during the days of Há, especially for children. Friends visit each other and organize small parties, giving gifts that are either bought or homemade.

Children can take part in making gifts and gift bags. They can also help by making wrapping paper with their art: they can either draw pictures on plain paper, or parents can use already existing children’s art that so often just lies around the house.

Below are two tutorials for those that wish to give gifts during Ayyám-i-Há:

1) Cards for children to make

2) Treat Bags for adults to make for children

DIY CardsThis is a very simple activity, fun to make with both younger and older children. These make great gifts for Ayyám-i-Há and could also serve as invitation cards for an Ayyám-i-Há/Naw Rúz party! They would also be a great addition to cookie bags for neighbors and friends.

You will need:- Construction paper of different colors- Child-friendly paint

Instructions:1. Cut up construction paper into rectangles and make cards by folding them in half.2. Ask your child to use his finger to draw patterns on the card with paint. Older children can paint with a brush.3. Once they are dry, you can trace a nine-pointed star inside the card and write a simple greeting. You can also add a paper flower (see above).

Star Treat Bags

Here is a craft that adapts the idea of a Christmas stocking for Ayyám-i-Há. These treat bags can be used year after year, so children come to anticipate finding a sweet or small toy in them each day during Ayyám-i-Há.

You will need:

- 2 squares of felt

- Embroidery thread - Get several skeins for each bag, as you go through it very quickly. If you have to go back to buy more, it can be hard to get an exact color match, no matter what the label says!

- Fabric paint

Star Treat Bags (continued)

Instructions:

1. Make your template: Find a simple nine-pointed star design online and then resize and print. Cut this out and trace it onto a piece of cardboard for your star template.

2. Cut out two stars per bag.

3. Have fun with fabric paint! You can decorate one of the felt stars (this will be the front of the bag) with the child's name and a simple design. Whatever type of design you chose to make, leave plenty of space between it and the edges, where you will be stitching soon.

A note about using fabric paint: The trick to using fabric paint on felt is to lay it on thick in order to have a nice looking design.

Star Treat Bags (continued)4. Sew your edges: Use a back stitch to sew together the front and back of your star. Be sure to leave an opening as shown here.

5. Make a loop for hanging: This step should be done by an adult. Use sharp scissors to make a hole through both sides of the star, approximately halfway down the middle point of the opening, so it will be sturdy. Use the embroidery thread to make a loop through both holes. This loop should be quite long, so that children can open the bags wide enough to easily retrieve their treats.

6. Fill with treats and enjoy!

The anticipation of a special holiday is half the fun! We love the Christian tradition of Advent calendars used to teach children how many days are left before Christmas.

Below we share countdown calendars and activities that we use for Ayyám-i-Há in our households. These can make the lead-up to Ayyám-i-Há more engaging and meaningful for children. They can also be adapted for Naw Rúz or Ridván!

Ayyám-i-Há Countdown Activity ChainYou will need:Construction paper or card stock, scissors, tape or glue, marker

Instructions:- Turn your paper lengthwise and cut into strips approximately 1 inch in height- On one side, number each strip 1 - 19- On the other side, write a special activity for that day (see suggestions on next page)- Make a loop out of one strip using tape or glue. Make sure not to cover the writing on the inside.- Loop the next link through the first. Repeat for each link to make a chain.- Hang on the wall or across a doorway. Undo one link for each day, and enjoy doing the activity on the inside of the link together as a family.

To make the strips more durable, laminate them before making the chain.

Ayyám-i-Há Countdown Activity Chain (continued)

- Listen to favorite Ayyám-i-Há music- Draw names for a family gift exchange- Decorate your house- Pick a charity to support with a donation- Decide on a family service project- Make small gifts for children’s class teachers

- Make cards to send to grandparents- Go outdoors to look for signs of spring- Read a spring book- Do a spring craft- Read an Ayyám-i-Há prayer or quotation- Bake cookies to share with your class

Suggested activities:

Virtues Tree Countdown“The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds and through commendable and seemly conduct.”

(Bahá'u'lláh, cited in "The Advent of Divine Justice", pp. 24-25) The Bahá’í teachings stress the importance of character development in the education of children. Hence, as Bahá’í parents, we strive to guide our children in this process and assist them in the development of various virtues.

The following activity adapts making Virtues Trees into a countdown activity for Ayyám-i-Há. It is a great educational tool to teach or review virtues with your little ones.

You will need:- Paper tree (could be cut out or drawn on a large sheet of paper)- Printouts of fruits and vegetables, each with a different virtue written on themOrPrintouts of virtues (see below)- Glue- Scissors (for older children)

Virtues Tree Countdown (continued)Instructions:1. Print out the virtues sheets below. 2. Starting February 1, randomly pick one virtue each day, either in a form of fruit/vegetable or as text alone. 3. Read the virtue out loud with your child and discuss. 4. Stick the virtue to the tree. 5. Ask your child to think of something he/she can do to practice this virtue today.6. At the end of the day talk about the virtue again.It helps to have a small diary where a parent (or a child who can write) can record everything related to these virtues. 7. During the days of Ayyám-i-Há, use the butterfly printouts below to read and memorize suggested quotes and a prayer, one butterfly for each day of Ayyám-i-Há. 8. For the leap year you can print out an additional butterfly with clear wings and decorate it with your own favorite quote.

Kindness

Generosity

Obedience

Friendliness

Prayerfulness

Helpfulness

Compassion

Patience

Respect

Forgiveness

Joyfulness

Excellence

Peacefulness

Responsibility

Caring

Faith

Creativity

Hope

Confidence

Gentleness

Self-discipline

Trust

Reliability

Truthfulness

“… Bahá’u'lláh exhorts His followers to consort, with amity and concord and without discrimination, with the adherents of all religions; warns them to guard against fanaticism, sedition, pride, dispute and contention; inculcates upon them immaculate cleanliness, strict truthfulness, spotless chastity, trustworthiness; hospitality, fidelity, courtesy, forbearance, justice and fairness...” - Shoghi Effendi (God Passes By, Pages: 214-215)

Since the Ayyám-i-Há celebration comes just before the Fast, Bahá’ís often enjoy making and sharing special treats. They are a much-anticipated part of Ayyám-i-Há for children, who love being involved in making them. Below are a few ideas for special treats that could be made for Ayyám-i-Há together with children.

Ayyám-i-Há Treats

Nine-Pointed Star Cookie Cutter TutorialWe always wanted to have nine-pointed star cookie cutters, but they weren’t available, so we came up with the following version. It is temporary and probably won’t last very long, but it is a fun project for home or children classes! Both younger and older children can help! For cookies to make, see our Sugar Cookies recipe below.You will need:- Milk carton or thick crafting paper- Foil- Stapler- Nine-pointed star drawingInstructions:1. Take 1 long strip of crafting paper or cut one out of the milk carton.2. Wrap foil around it several times to create a thick layer. Don’t make it too tight or the foil will break easily.3. Bend the strip in the shape of the nine-pointed star. Secure with staples, then adjust the foil and even out any tearing. 4. Enjoy cutting out the shapes!

Nine-Pointed Star Cake Tutorial

Many of us have wondered how to make those wonderful cakes shaped like nine-pointed stars, but it is actually very simple! Here are three methods:

Method 1. If you are using liquid batter, bake your cake. While it cools, print out a 9-pointed star from the internet. Cut out and lay on top of the cake. Use this a guide to cut the cake into a star shape. Decorate as desired.

Method 2. Using the cookie cutter tutorial, make a larger cutter. It can be used either on a freshly baked cake or on the raw dough (not liquid of course).

Method 3. Using foil, make the 9-pointed star shape of desired size (skip the paper step in the cookie cutter tutorial). Lay it out on a greased baking sheet or place it into a round cake form, making sure it is even and the bottom is neatly placed on the bottom of the sheet/form (with minimal or no space in between). Pour the liquid batter inside and bake as usual. This method is more tricky! You can also try and shape an existing disposable aluminium cake form into the 9-pointed star.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are very easy to make, and they are a great addition to any tea party. Plus children love making them!

You will need:- 1 cup of softened butter- ¾ cup of sugar- 1 teaspoon of either baking soda or baking powder- 1 large egg or 2 small ones- 1 cup of flour (you can add more to make a soft non-sticky dough)

Sugar Cookies (continued)

Instructions:1. Cream butter and sugar. 2. Add the egg(s). 3. In another bowl mix the dry ingredients together then add them to wet ingredients. 4. Make a soft dough that you are able to roll. If you have time, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (ideally overnight).5. Use cookie cutters to make shapes or simply take small pieces of the dough, roll them into balls, and lightly press. Variation: Roll the cookies into balls, flatten, and then make a depression in the middle with your thumb. Add a drop or two of your child’s favorite jam. This is a great step for children to do!6. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake till slightly brown. Cool for 30 seconds then remove from the sheet. Enjoy your cookies with some Persian tea or the Orange Punch!

Here’s another sweet treat to offer to guests. It is fairly quick to make and very easy to do with kids! You can even store it in the freezer for 3-4 months.

You will need:

1 egg, 1 cup of sugar, 2-3 medium-sized bananas, a cup of strawberries or 4 tablespoons of strawberry jam, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ⅓ cup of melted butter, 1 - 1½ cups of flour, ⅓ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence (optional)

Banana Strawberry Bread

Instructions: 1. Mix and mash together bananas and strawberries (or strawberry jam).2. Melt butter and add to the mix. Add vanilla (optional).3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add sugar and beat together with the egg until foamy.4. Pour into the banana-strawberry-butter mix. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over this and stir well.5. Slowly add flour and mix thoroughly.6. Grease the baking form and dust with flour. Pour in batter and even it out.7. Bake at 180-185C (350-365F) for 40-50 minutes. Prick with a toothpick - if it comes out dry, it is ready. If the top browns too much before the bread is ready, cover with foil and finish baking.Serve warm or cool with hot tea, hot chocolate, or another beverage of your choice!

Banana Strawberry Bread (continued)

Fruit Pizza

This is a fun recipe that kids can help make. Great to make at parties or children’s classes. Makes approx. 10 pizzas.

You will need:- Your favorite sugar cookie recipe- One 8 oz. block of cream cheese (you don’t actually need the full amount, but the leftovers are wonderful!)- Honey to taste- Splash of lemon juice- Cut-up fruit, like strawberries, kiwis, and bananas

Instructions: For an adult to prepare in advance:1. Bake the sugar cookies, making them approximately 5 inches across. Older kids can help with this step. You may need to adjust your baking time slightly because of the larger size.2. Make the spread by whipping the cream cheese with honey and lemon juice. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.3. Cut up the fruit into bite-sized pieces.

At the party:1. Set out the toppings and spread.2. Have each child spread the cream cheese on a cookie, then top with the fruits. Let them get creative with decorating!Enjoy - mmm!

Fruit Pizza (continued)

Persian Tea

Persian tea is usually quite fragrant, thanks to flavours like bergamot or other spices (and sometimes orange peel). With a few simple ingredients you can recreate it in your own home!

You will need:

Black leaf tea, Earl Grey tea (this has bergamot), orange peel

Instructions:

In a teapot mix together 1 teaspoon of each tea and add a pinch of orange peel. Boil water, pour over the mix, and let it brew for a few minutes. Serve hot with rock sugar.

Orange PunchThis is a simple drink your children can make themselves (with a little help for the younger ones!) Double or triple the amount depending on the number of servings needed. Great for parties or as a treat for visitors!

You will need:A can of plain soda or SpriteEqual amount of orange JuiceOrange slices

Method:1. Mix orange juice and soda2. Add orange slices3. Serve slightly chilled

“Happiness is a great healer to those who are ill…” - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Promulgation of Universal Peace)

“My home is the home of peace. My home is the home of joy and delight. My home is the home of laughter and exultation. Whoever enters through the portals of this home, must go out with gladsome heart. This is the home of light; whoever enters here must become illumined.” - Author Unknown, published in ‘Star of the West’

‘There is no party without joy and laughter! Here are few Bahá’í jokes you can tell or teach your children to have a good laugh together with family and friends!

Ayyám-i-Há Jokes

- Why did the Bahá’í chicken cross the road? To get to the Ayyám-i-Há party!- How can you tell that Mrs. Milani loves Intercalary Days? Because her kids call her the Ayyám-i-Mom!- What do they call Ayyám-i-Há on Mr. Nilsson’s poultry farm? In-TURKEY-lary Days!- What do you call a tasty joke? A yummy “ha”! (Ayyám-i-Há)- Knock knock / Who’s there? / Ayyám-i / Ayyám-i who? / No, it’s Ayyám-i-HA, silly!- Why did the Bahá’í chicken cross the road? To go homefront pioneering!- How can you tell that Mr. Lee loves Ayyám-i-Há? He named his three children Happy & Mary & Interca-Larry!- Why did Martha make a list of things she wanted to accomplish this coming year? She was making her Naw Ruz-alutions!- Knock knock / Who’s there? / Orange / Orange who? / Orange you glad it’s Ayyám-i-Há??

The following activities are designed to promote learning as well as FUN for Ayyám-i-Há. They include reading and math activities. Print them out to enjoy some special time with your children.

The activities cover a range of ages (from preschool to early elementary), so pick those best suited to your child. They are also great for children’s classes.

Ayyám-i-Há Printable Activities

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3 4 5 6

7

8 9

10

11

12

13

Across

6. Another name for Ayyám-i-Há: ___________ Days.

8. After Ayyám-i-Há comes the Fast and then _____ _____ (two words).

9. In many parts of the world, Ayyám-i-Há comes just before this season.

10. We celebrate Ayyám-i-Há during the last days of this month.

11. Each Bahá'í month is 19 ____ long.

12. Ayyám-i-Há is a time of great ___.

13. We can practice ____________ by giving gifts to others.

Down

1. Most years Ayyám-i-Há is ____ days long.

2. But during ___ year, Ayyám-i-Há has an extra day!

3. We can give small ____ to others during Ayyám-i-Há.

4. "It behoveth the people of ____ , throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy..."

5. The holiday we celebrate just before the Fast.

7. Giving to those in need.

10. Just after Ayyám-i-Há comes the ____, when adults focus on prayer instead of food.

11. During the Fast, adults don't eat or ____ during the day.

12. Another word for happiness.

1 F

O 2 L

3 G U 4 B E 5 A 6 I N T E R C A L A R Y

F H P Y 7 C

T A 8 N A W R U Z H 9 S P R I N G M A

I 10 F E B R U A R Y

H A I

11 D A Y S T

R T 12 J O Y

I O

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K

A Y Y A M I H A Y U F G E R F U N P O J L J E L N M N R B D Q E I I S T N E I K Z O F K W K J T D P T F Q H E F O J H J U X V R Q O O E E G I V I N G D U T M A A J C E I B W L D R M L H J A I C J E N P I I V T E A Y F V C O D C H A R I T Y B P R O B G N H H E A A N E K E F S X E E R Y O L N B D A N H R L E E N F J H S D Q F I H O M V S E G J Y A T G E A O F W F A S T U K U F H P E K A R G M F S W K E T Z W E J J N R N H R A G Y E O D D J R F H E B O M J E I E A J I F I S M E G W L U A V Y E F O A D D Y A G N K F E J V N K A Z Y D A E Y G E R T N T I G V F F O U R T T H S S D E H A

Word Search: AYYAMIHA, HAPPY, FOUR, LOVE, NAWRUZ, INTERCALARY, FAST, JOY, SPRING, GIFT, CHARITY, FUN, GIVING, LOVE, FRIENDS

A Y Y A M I H A Y U F G E R F U N P O J L J E L N M N R B D Q E I I S T N E I K Z O F K W K J T D P T F Q H E F O J H J U X V R Q O O E E G I V I N G D U T M A A J C E I B W L D R M L H J A I C J E N P I I V T E A Y F V C O D C H A R I T Y B P R O B G N H H E A A N E K E F S X E E R Y O L N B D A N H R L E E N F J H S D Q F I H O M V S E G J Y A T G E A O F W F A S T U K U F H P E K A R G M F S W K E T Z W E J J N R N H R A G Y E O D D J R F H E B O M J E I E A J I F I S M E G W L U A V Y E F O A D D Y A G N K F E J V N K A Z Y D A E Y G E R T N T I G V F F O U R T T H S S D E H A

Thank you for downloading our book! We hope it will be a great resource for your families

and children's classes.

Copyright 2014 Leanna Guillén Mora and Varya Sanina-Garmroud under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

4.0 International License.

Conclusion