This paper was developed (in 1993) by a member of the St. John's, NF community for local use, and was later forwarded by The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of St. John's to the (former) Assembly Development Committee for their consideration and use. Following the restructuring of most of the National committees, the availability of the paper was mentioned in Baha'i Canada. (September, 1994)

NINETEEN DAY FEASTS and HOLY DAYS
in a Very Different World

CONTENTS

• NINETEEN DAY FEASTS and HOLY DAYS
  in a Very Different World
• PART 1:   A DOORWAY TO A VERY DIFFERENT WORLD
• PART 2:   OUR VISION
• PART 3:   SOME PRACTICAL MATTERS especially with regard to young children
• PART 4:   RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ASSEMBLY

THE HOLY YEAR

Holy Year was like a doorway we all went through to a very, very different world! The Holy Days during that year lifted us to new heights of devotion, a new intensity of fellowship and at-oneness with our fellow Baha'is. Part of that experience was an increased sensitivity to, and awareness of, how to plan and present a programme at a Nineteen Day Feast or Holy Day.

Nowhere was this more intense than in New York. The joy of attending the second Baha'i World Congress in the City of the Covenant, none of those who were privileged to attend will ever forget. It left me with a longing to see the fruit of all that inspiration, difficult consultation and unremitting effort that made the Congress so unique translated to the local level of Baha'i celebrations. What could we learn from these experiences? Don't we, in our local communities, need to consider the things that enhance the dignity, the beauty of our observances, that help the community prepare their hearts and minds to hear the words of Baha'u'llah: to be magnetized, not distracted? What seeds do we bring home to plant in our own communities as we enter this new era of human history?

All these longings lay dormant in my mind until spring.

12^TH DAY OF RIDVAN

The community gathered to celebrate the 12th Day of Ridvan. It was one of those days when absolutely everything conspired to go wrong, and to top it off two children ran away! They were two of four children, all under 6 years, of a new family one of the friends had invited as guests. It was their first experience of the Baha'i community, and it was a litmus test of our community's cohesiveness and ability to act as a refuge for people caught in the acute problems of today's society. Reports went back to the Holy Days Committee of a "disastrous" Holy Day.

Yet was it really a disaster? Although a number of people were both frightened and upset, it didn't ricochet through the group leaving everyone edgy. The community rallied that day, demonstrating its mettle and resilience.

And best of all, now barely six months later, this family for whom that experience was acutely embarrassing and painful, are an integral part of our Baha'i family.

True, the combination of circumstances that day was unusual. However, they served to point up needs that are ongoing, just not usually so acute! Does it sometimes take an upsetting event for us to be able to see clearly what the needs are?

ACTION IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Suddenly these two experiences came together and the thoughts and ideas in the following pages literally burst forth. Like the first growth of spring, they are beginnings; not the blossoms and fruit of summer and autumn, not finished. Spontaneously, they sprouted under several distinct topics:

1. A Doorway to a Very Different World This first part considers the significance of the Holy Year in relation to the development of the Baha'i community.

2. Our Vision The second part addresses the kind of vision at the local community level that I so longed for, and arises out of the experience of World Congress. In this section goals, and answers to specific questions, are sought in the Writings, which in turn generate some initial suggestions for specific actions. (Sometimes these were too obvious to list!)

3. Some Practical Matters, especially with regard to young children The third section deals with some of the down-to-earth practicalities we need to be regularly planning for, and which for us were so acutely focused by that Ridvan Holy Day.

4. Recommendations to the Assembly The last section makes some recommendations for the Assembly to consider in enhancing our local Baha'i observances.

THREE YEAR PLAN

As our communities grow and develop, as our assemblies mature in their understanding and application of Baha'i principles in each local community, we are beginning to experience the interaction of individuals and community on one another.

Every revelation has two main aspects which are both interrelated and interdependent, for the growing degree of the spiritual development and awareness of individuals obviously affects the character and mores of human society, while society itself is the environment in which individuals grow to maturity and helps to mold their characters and understanding.
Universal House of Justice to an individual, 23 March 1975

We see both these aspects in the goals of Canada's own Three Year Plan:

Goal 14. "Greatly accelerate" the evolving role of the Assemblies and their communities through "study and application of principles related to ... the Nineteen Day Feast ...";

Goal 17. "Foster an increased sense of personal responsibility among the friends ... (in) preparing for and participating in the Nineteen Day Feast ..."

Nowhere is this more true than in the way we mark our Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days. The Assembly guides, encourages and assists the community and its believers to reach for new heights; individuals and families take on new initiatives and responsibilities, reflecting the significance in their daily lives of the rhythm of the Baha'i calendar - the heart-beat of Baha'u'llah's new race of men.

Contents

HOLY YEAR

We have just emerged from a Holy Year in which, both individually and collectively, we paused

to appreciate the tumultuous record of events which ... have brought us to the Centenary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah and to reflect with due solemnity upon the redemptive purpose of the life of the most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet. Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1990

Many were the special events held to commemorate this unique time in our history, and many the opportunities for us to respond to the House of Justice's call for inner reflection, that "rendez-vous of the soul with its Source of light and guidance," and to retreat to the innermost recess of our being, to the dwelling place of the Spirit of Baha, that interior to which He summons us when He says: "Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting." Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1992

A part of that experience was an increased sensitivity to, and awareness of, how to plan and present a programme at a Holy Day. The House of Justice itself gave us detailed guidelines for the planning and programme of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah, they meticulously guided the intent and planning of the World Congress to take the friends who went to New York on a spiritual journey.

DOORWAY TO A VERY DIFFERENT WORLD

Just a year ago, Douglas Martin, now newly elected to the House of Justice, impressed upon us:

The Holy Year is a doorway through which the entire human race is about to pass. It is not just an event for Baha'is. This is an event for the entire human race.  Canadian Baha'i News, May 1992, 28

Having passed through that "doorway deliberately and consciously", we need now to recall the things that enhanced the dignity and the beauty of these observances, that helped the community prepare their hearts and minds to hear the words of Baha'u'llah, to be magnetized, not distracted.

The Assembly invites us all to recall:

• What aspects of the planning and programme contributed to making it so memorable?
• What can we learn from these never-to-be-forgotten events to apply in our local community ?
• What new ways of doing things have we learned?
• In particular, how do we transform our Feasts and Holy Days into truly spiritual meetings, so that each one in small part recalls those events?

Contents

GOALS

We must search for new ways appropriate to a local community, on a different scale than the World Congress, but with the same spirit.

It hath been enjoined upon you once a month to offer hospitality, even should ye serve no more than water, for God hath willed to bind your hearts together, though it be through heavenly and earthly means combined.
Kitab-i-Aqdas quoted by Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

If this feast be held in the proper fashion, the friends will, once in nineteen days, find themselves spiritually restored, and endued with a power that is not of this world.
`Abdu'l-Baha quoted by Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

Dignity and reverence befitting the occasion should obviously characterize observances of Baha'i Holy Days by the friends ...
The Nineteen Day Feast # 92

ACTION

With these goals clearly focused in our minds, what can we do to enhance our Feasts and Holy Days? The following are some suggestions to consider in planning each Feast or Holy Day:

1. How can we help and encourage the friends to be spiritually responsive when the host(ess) rises to welcome everyone and the opening prayers begin?

It is clear ... that the Feast is rooted in hospitality, with all its implications of friendliness, courtesy, service, generosity and conviviality.
Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

... originality and variety in expressions of hospitality are possible ...
Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen.

Souls are liable to estrangement. Such methods should be adopted that the estrangement should be first removed, then the Word will have effect.
`Abdu'l-Baha in The Individual & Teaching #s 27 & 17

Suggestions: - someone to welcome friends at the door - a gathering activity for the children (community singing?) - a quiet time before the Feast/Holy Day begins

2. How can we help the friends to let the Words of God penetrate deep into their souls?

Important aspects of the preparation of the Feast include the proper selection of readings, the assignment, in advance, of good readers, and a sense of decorum both in the presentation and the reception of the devotional programme.
Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

Pride not yourselves on much reading of the verses ... for were a man to read a single verse with joy and radiance, it would be better for him than to read with lassitude all the Holy Books of God .... Read ye the sacred verses in such measure that ye be not overcome by languor and despondency. Lay not upon your souls that which will weary them and weigh them down, but rather what will lighten and uplift them, so that they may soar on the wings of the Divine verses towards the Dawning-place of His manifest signs; this will draw you nearer to God, did ye but comprehend.
Kitab-i-Aqdas 73 - 4 (149)

Some things to consider: - the choice of readings, and their length - the manner in which they are read or, better still, recited or chanted - having them printed for each person who would like a copy - the appearance of the "programme"

3. In what ways can we respond to the beauty of the Blessed Beauty?

Inasmuch as the spirit of our gathering is so much affected by the tone and quality of our worship, of our feeling and appreciation of the Word of God for this day, we would hope that you would encourage the most beautiful possible expression of the human spirits in your communities, through music among other modes of feeling.
Universal House of Justice quoted in The Nineteen Day Feast #75

Attention to the environment in which the Feast is to be held ... greatly influences the experience. Cleanliness, arrangement of space in practical and decorative ways - all play a significant part.
Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

Beauty is conveyed chiefly through our 5 senses; which ones can we utilize to draw us to the spiritual worlds?

It is natural for the heart and spirit to take pleasure and enjoyment in all things that show forth symmetry, harmony, and perfection. For instance: a beautiful house, a well designed garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful motion, a well written book, pleasing garments--in fact, all things that have in themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and spirit ...

What is music? It is a combination of harmonious sounds. What is poetry? It is a symmetrical collection of words. Therefore, they are pleasing through harmony and rhythm. Poetry is much more effective and complete than prose. It stirs more deeply, for it is of a finer composition....

In the world of existence physical things have a connection with spiritual realities. One of these things is the voice, which connects itself with the spirit; and the spirit can be uplifted by this means--for though it is a physical thing, it is one of the material, natural organizations--therefore, it is effective.
('Abdu'l-Baha's words to Mrs. Mary L. Lucas, as quoted in "A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca", 11-14) Baha'i Writings on Music 8 - 9

4. How can we reduce the distractions to which these senses are also subjected?

What can we do about: - the rattle of paper as we turn the pages of the programmes? (Community education to turn pages quietly? A single page, printed both sides, with each reading complete on one page?) - children who are restless? (Mothers sit near door so child can easily be taken out?)

5. How and when can music - instrumental and voice, choir and community singing, individual and group performances, live and recorded - best be utilized in our Feasts and Holy Days?

... music may be introduced at various stages (of the feast), including the devotional portion ... Universal House of Justice, August 1989

All forms (of music) when understood aright gladden the spirit.... A certain kind of melody makes the spirit happy, another kind makes it sad, another excites it to action.

All these feelings can be caused by voice and music, for through the nerves it moves and stirs the spirit....

Whatever is in the heart of man, melody moves and awakens. If a heart full of good feelings and a pure voice are joined together, a great effect is produced. For instance: if there be love in the heart, through melody, it will increase until its intensity can scarcely be borne; but if bad thoughts are in the heart, such as hatred, it will increase and multiply. For instance: the music used in war awakens the desire for bloodshed. The meaning is that melody causes whatever feeling is in the heart to increase.

Some feelings occur accidentally and some have a foundation. For example: some people are naturally kind, but they may be accidentally upset by a wave of anger. But if they hear music, the true nature will reassert itself. Music really awakens the real, natural nature, the individual essence. With whatever purpose you listen to music, that purpose will be increased. For instance: there will be a concert given for the poor and unfortunate, and if you go there thinking of the aim, the music will increase your compassion and generosity. This is the reason why music is used in war. And so it is with all the things that cause the excitation of the nerves.
('Abdu'l-Baha's words to Mrs. Mary L. Lucas, as quoted in "A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca", 11-14) Baha'i Writings on Music 9 - 10

6. How can we assist the people who offer these gifts, and those who receive them, to do so in a spirit of worship, rather than as a "performance"? For instance, consider the subtle difference between a musical performance and music at a Feast!

... as the Cause grows and talented persons come under its banner, they will begin to produce in art the divine spirit that animates their soul. Every religion has brought with it some form of art--let us see what wonders this Cause is going to bring along. Such a glorious spirit should also give vent to a glorious art. The Temple with all its beauty is only the first ray of an early dawn; even more wondrous things are to be achieved in the future.
Shoghi Effendi in Arts and Crafts #25 Compilation of Compilations, Volume 1, 7

7. Holy Days, especially, could be the occasion for story-telling and eloquent talks. In marking the Holy Days we are remembering His days during our days.

The history of His days is immensely rich and varied, we have a tremendous wealth of stories to draw upon. Think of the Congress and the wonderful reminiscences of `Abdu'l-Baha that were shared with us! Many early Baha'is have published their memories and these stories are often short, but very moving. Story-telling is something which Newfoundlanders, like many rural peoples, have evolved to a highly developed skill and take particular delight in.

Dignity and reverence befitting the occasion should obviously characterize observances of Baha'i Holy Days by the friends, but this does not mean that cultural traditions which do not contravene Baha'i principles may not, and cannot, find expression in the local observances and meetings of the friends.
Universal House of Justice in The Nineteen Day Feast # 92

The effects of different cultures ... are welcome factors which can lend the Feast a salutary diversity, representative of the unique characteristics of the various societies in which it is held, and therefore conducive to the upliftment and enjoyment of its participants.
Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

Story-telling is particularly effective with the children, especially when combined with audio and visual aids. With a deaf child in our community story-telling made visual is almost essential. There is also wonderful scope for eloquent talks, that uplift us, giving new insights into the significance and wonder of these special days.

... `Abdu'l-Baha recommends that eloquent, uplifting talks be given ...
Universal House of Justice, 27 August 1989

8. What can be included in the Feast or Holy Day programme:

• to attract the hearts and attention of the children?
• have they been invited to participate?
• to offer their special gifts and capacities?

The children are the litmus test; if we succeed with the children, we will certainly have reached the adults!

Contents

As the community expands, as the number of families with young children increases, and especially when, as we should be doing more often, we invite guests to the Holy Days, the physical arrangements are put to the test. The recent Holy Day, to which a family with 4 children age 6 and under were invited, is a case in point.

1. Timing of the event to begin at 1 p.m., and to begin with the programme was impossible for children of guests. They thought they were coming for lunch!

2. Picnic was a great idea and we need to keep on trying for good weather. However, contingency planning is needed for inclement weather, see food #3.

3. Food: having everyone bring their own lunch, e.g. a sandwich, won't work. Guests often come without food, as do members of our own community! Hostess was only asked to provide tea & coffee, but knowing the possibility of picnic was chancy she prepared 2 large pots soup, lots of fruit, bread & cheese. What would have happened without this?

4. Programme: someone from the Committee must be present to MC the programme at the designated time or, preferably, earlier.

BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN

We need some coping mechanisms when families bring young children to Holy Days:

1. Before they come, the Baha'i who invites them needs to give some thought to how to prepare children and their parents, e.g.:

• what is expected of them?
• what will the programme be (prayer, readings, story, etc.)?
• when will refreshments/lunch be served (after programme)?

2. The Baha'i may even wish to consult with the parents about the children's behaviour:

• Is there any way I (the Baha'i) can help to put your children at ease?
• Would you like to sit near the door so that if your child becomes restless you can take her/him out of the room?
• Would you prefer to have your children in another room when you feel they can no longer be still and listen?

3. The Baha'i who invites them needs to be there to welcome and help the family integrate with the community, meet people, etc.

4. Several Baha'is should be encouraged to greet, welcome and try to get to know the children a bit before programme starts. (Only if children are not too shy!)

5. Have a gathering activity PLANNED so children are drawn in to an appropriate activity. Our guests' kids wanted food, crayons and paper, etc. RIGHT NOW! If you start something like that for one child, every child will want some too, and it can be almost impossible to draw them away from the food or colouring and into the Holy Day programme.

6. Invite the mother/parent to sit near the door so she can take child out easily if s/he cries.

7. Be prepared to have someone with an alternate quiet activity for those who cannot stay for the whole programme? Don't make it more attractive than the Holy Day programme. (The Baha'i who invites the guests should give some thought to this.)

Contents

PROPOSALS:

1. ASSEMBLY MEET WITH COMMITTEES

Could we meet first with the Feast Committee, then the Holy Days Committee to consult with them about the above aspects of planning?

• Perhaps write up a proposal for them to study first, so they could come prepared with suggestions to consult with Assembly about.
• Ask for their recommendations to enhance the Feasts (or Holy Days).
• Have they any issues to raise with the Assembly?

2. "BAHA'I TIMES" (COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS for adults and older children)

a. Who do we have in our community who is good at preparing an attractive programme? Someone with an artistic eye and some experience in simple cut-and-paste layout techniques for photocopying. Could we ask her/him to do an informal workshop on preparation of programmes, readings, etc.? (We call such events "Baha'i Times".)

The Words of God need to look beautiful.

• Something as simple as centring text on the page, keeping lines of text straight, parallel, etc. conveys dignity and respect.
• Borders or small decorative touches can be xeroxed from different sources, collected and added to decorate programmes using a cut-and-paste method.

b. Who do have in our community with a natural talent for, and/or training in, giving talks? Could we ask her/him to do a similar workshop on giving "eloquent speeches".

Learning

• How to stand, present oneself naturally and gracefully;
• How to speak clearly, project one's voice, remember to smile;
• Most of all, how to convey what it means to you, how you feel about it; will not only enhance our Feasts and Holy Days but prepare us to be more effective teachers. Not: "I was asked to tell a story ..." "I haven't had time to prepare this ..."

Training

• In introducing a programme so that the focus is on enhancing the Feast, not on the individual(s) performing, the circumstances, etc.

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