Here's an idea of what we can do at this Ayyam-i-Há period (thanks to the Family Liaison Committee of the Bahá’í World Centre for sharing this to us):
The service wreath is a grapevine wreath, decorated with flowers (silk orreal) and lights, that is hung horizontally from the ceiling using threewide satin ribbons. Hanging down from the wreath by curling ribbon are numerous 4-in square cards, wrapped in metallic paper, and each containing a message of a service or thoughtful deed. To make the cards, cut numerous 4-in squares of tagboard. Write a good deed on each one. Center the squares diagonally on 6x6 inch pieces of metallic origami paper. Fold the points to the center of the square so all the points meet. Seal with a sticker. Use a paper punch to make a hole in one corner; and thread curling ribbon through the hole. After hanging the wreath, tie the cards to dangle below, and add extra steamers of curling ribbon as desired. This is a very festive and beautiful decoration. Beginning on the night before Ayyam-i-Ha (evening of February 25), our family gathers by the wreath to say prayers and read from the Writings on the importance of deeds and service. After prayers, each child cuts off one of the cards from the wreath and opens it to learn what his special deed is for the following day. The next evening, after the deeds have been done, we again gather by the wreath and the children receive a small gift as a reward for the service they completed. We again say prayers and the children cut off another card from the wreath. This helps us all stay focused on the importance of being of service. On the last day ofAyyam-i-Ha there are always lots of presents under the wreath for everyone.
Some ideas for the service cards:
- All day long, pick up trash and debris wherever you see it-look hard! Put it in the trash can, making the world a more beautiful place.
- Clean up your room without being asked.
- Write a special card for your teacher, telling her or him at least one very specific thing you really appreciate.
- Write a thank you note to someone whose work often goes unnoticed.
- Select one toy or book from your room to give to a local charity for children.
- Show up at a friend or relative's home and offer to help with chores for one hour.
- Make treats to take to school to share with your teacher and classmates.
- Look for a person who is having a bad day, then tell that person something good about himself - help this person feel better.
- Make a list of five things you like about each of your parents, brothers, and sisters. Share the list with them.
- Call someone when you know he or she won't be home and sing a holiday song to the answering machine.
- Feed the outdoor wildlife - birds and squirrels.
(This idea was modified from an idea for an advent wreath in the December 1996 edition of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.)
Ayyam-i-Há song to share:
Ayyam-i-Há
by Candace Moore Hill
Have a Merry Intercalary Have a Happy Ayyam-i-Ha
Have a Merry Intercalary Have a Happy Ayyam-i-Ha
The Days of Ha Proclaimed by Baha'u'llah
The Days of Ha Proclaimed by Baha'u'llah
