It’s fun to create special memories for Ayyam-i-Ha. Although these are not “Baha’i Traditions” in any way, here are some ideas we’ve come across of personal traditions families have adopted for celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha in their own homes.
Prayers by Candlelight
Lighting candles during prayer time or at dinner time can set a special atmosphere. You can light one for the first night of Ayyam-i-Ha, two for the second night, etc. Some possibilities for using candles include:
- Placing four floating candles in a bowl of water
- Finding or creating a wreath with places for four candles.
- Use four tealight candles on a beautiful platter.
Family Gift Exchange
From Raelee: One morning, we invited our family over for a big brunch and asked each family to buy or make or bake a family gift for each of the families and to bring a big basket. Each family placed their gifts into the baskets to take home.
Special Ways to Receive Daily Gifts
From Nadia: In our family, our Ayyam-i-ha activities include doing a service project as a family (this year, volunteering at the food bank), having a big event with the community, organizing an Ayyam-i-ha Treasure hunt at home, baking cookies for friends and neighbors, and a couple of years ago we started a new tradition. We made these bags, with each of the kids names on them, their handprint each year and other decorations. We leave it in their room and at night the Ayyam-i-ha fairy brings a small present, for each day of Ayyam-i-ha. Mind you, the presents are quite simple, such as books, arts and crafts, candies, gum (their favorite gift!), etc. It is such a wonderful time of the year!
From Katherin: I have two daughters (2 and 4) and we made these heart shaped wooden boxes as their treasure boxes in preparation for Ayyam-i-Ha. Each chose their colors and we used acrylic paint and a stencil to decorate. It was special to make together and know we will be using in the years to come. They will each open their heart everyday of Ayyam-i-ha to find to a clue (in a drawing and eventually written out) in order to find their gift for that day hidden around the house. Also it can be used to keep quotes to memorize, small gifts etc.
From Penina: Our Magical Manu is a beautiful lamp which comes out during Ayyam-i-Ha. ‘Manu’ means bird in Samoan. If the light is on, the bird has brought us gifts and the kids get to find our gifts under the coffee table! I made a banner that says, “Joy Gives Us Wings.” The idea behind the Magical Manu is that it doesn’t get its wings unless it feels true happiness – which comes from the acts related to spiritual growth (such as personal creativity, an act of helpfulness etc) – not the accomplishment of things. I made up a story where the Manu meets various animals and eventually only gets its wings when it discovers what truly brings joy.
From Carrie: I made an advent type banner with 4 pockets… 1 for for each day of Ayyam-i-Ha. Every morning the kids wake up to a Ayyam-i-Ha suprise in the pocket! (Click here for details on how to make this banner.)
What traditions has your family started to celebrate Ayyam-i-Ha? Please share your photos and comments below.
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