do baha'i celebrate christmas

I love attending the Lessons and Carols held here on the island in the Episcopalian Church (along with most of the islanders, no matter their faith). Apr 2011 865 NZ Dec 25, 2012 #2 How can they? Program will[...], Join us online for Sunday Morning Devotions every Sunday at 10am. So Bahá'ís do not celebrate Christmas amongst themselves, but they will happily celebrate Christmas with people who are not Bahá'ís. The bookstore at the Bahá’í Center of Washtenaw County features a variety of books and materials of interest to the members of the Bahá’í community. I celebrate Baha'i holidays with my Baha'i friends -- and anyone else who wants to join us (I'm a Baha'i). Shadi is the Editor of Arts at BahaiTeachings.org and holds a BA in Media Communications and Public Relations, but is more widely recognized for her musical contributions to the Baha’i community and involvement in arts based and community building initiatives, locally and internationally. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. This conversation could look at the yearly calendar, the various community groups and circles you are a part of, and the different faiths and traditions you want to honor as a family, including Baha’i, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Christian, and other traditionally spiritual Holy Days. The Baha’i Faith has few traditions, which could also be considered as habits that we strive to implement in our day to day lives, such as prayer and service. Baha’is do not, however, celebrate Christmas within their communities as one of the Baha’i Holy Days. Baha’is do not, however, celebrate Christmas within their communities as one of the Baha’i Holy Days. And if so, how do they commemorate the occasion? For example, in a Bahá'í family, where the parents and children are Bahá'ís, they do not usually buy one another Christmas presents. Nevertheless, they do not celebrate Christmas amongst themselves. Books and materials are purchased for the bookstore mainly through the Bahá’í Distribution Service in Willmette, Illinois. Sort of. Here is a highly informative video by a Baha'i speaker about the nature of the Christmas holiday and why Baha'is generally do not celebrate it … Press J to jump to the feed. in Baha'i Videos on Vimeo . Celebrating Christmas, as a Baha'i, is a very personal matter. It marked the beginning of a very special childhood made distinct because of the innate wisdom that all Manifestations have, even as children. You have explained that as a result of an email discussion group there is a differing of opinions whether Baha’is are permitted to celebrate Christmas, and you have expressed your understanding that while there is no harm in sharing the festivities with friends, the " Baha’is themselves should not be putting up Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, etc." But this should not be surprising, since once can find examples of truthful and beneficial teaching in many of the other world religions. …and what Pagans do. Top. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him. Ayyám-i-Há--the Intercalary Days--are those four (five in leap year) … Christmas is a tricky one because of what it has come to represent in much of Western society – the true meaning of Christmas is, unfortunately, often lost amidst the Christmas tree decorations, Santa-and-elf motifs and endless Christmas sales advertisements. Bahá'u'lláh is the latest prophet, or 'manifestation', of God. Having a conversation and making a decision as a family builds unity and gives room for all to contribute creatively. Bahá'ís celebrate New Year's Day on March 21, the vernal equinox. It heralded the life of yet another Manifestation of God who would suffer great tribulations and suffering to bring humanity towards God. The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit. You can decorate your home with winter-inspired decorations and call it a “winter wonderland” or “winter festival.” Children could come together to create decorations and ornaments that inspire peace, unity, and joy, place them around the house or gift them to neighbors. Christmas is the festival created by the early Church to ensure that there would be a celebration of the coming of Jesus (known as the Christ, "The Chosen One") to the world. I was raised Methodist, but in 1983 I became a Baha’i. Bahá'ís accept the prophets of other religions as continuing stages in the revelation of God. I celebrate Christmas with my family because it gives us a chance to get together and enjoy each other's company. Jesus instructed ' communion ' as found at Luke 22:19 the annual observance of Jesus' day … To put you in touch with a Baha’i in your area who can answer your questions, we would like to kindly ask for a few details about yourself. This entry was posted on Thursday, December 8th, 2011 at 10:26 PM and tagged with Baha'u'llah and Jesus, Bahai, Bahai Faith, Bahaullah, Birth of Jesus, Christmas and Baha'i, Messenger of God, religion, spiritual, unity of Messengers of God and posted in Uncategorized. With family and friends they decorate a Christmas tree, open gifts and eat a holiday meal. Besides, since the Bahá'í Faith accepts the validity of all the former religions, we would need to celebrate ALL their holy days, not just Christmas, in order to be fair. Fast-forward about 20 years: I’ve moved to Canada and found myself a wonderful Prairie husband, who discovered and adopted the Baha’i Faith in his youth. Based on the understanding of Christmas as a commemoration of the birth of Christ, the day is clearly of significance to Baha’is, who believe that Christ was a Manifestation of God. Baha'i, Wiccan students may worship differently but enjoy the the same. People who work shift jobs sometimes offer to cover the shift of their Christian co-workers so that they can celebrate Christmas with their families. I. Iconodule. With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it could be useful to share some of the posts featured on Baha'i Blog so far, that relate to Christianity. This date has been celebrated as the New Year in Persia for thousands of years. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts There is, of course, no record of the birth of Jesus except in the Bible (Gospels), and the two Gospels which mention Jesus's birth at all do not mention what time of year it was. Presents can be given at any time. It would be fun, but I'd never get any work done! I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately, especially as we hunker down for a lonelier winter in this global pandemic. Yes. RELATED: Family Meals: A Space to Bond, Reconnect, and Heal. Not all are suitable for people following serious social distancing restrictions, but there are definitely ones that we can try and adopt to some degree, or look forward to trying when we can all be together again. This passage is close to my heart because I was raised as a Christian and was first taught to know and worship God through the teachings of Jesus. One could be to pack meals and deliver them to the homes of elderly neighbors. Get in touch with the Baha’is in your community. In December, Haifa’s Ben Gurion Boulevard (Moshava Germanit) is a winter wonderland of lighted streets and decked-out restaurants featuring decorations that celebrate all faiths, at the foot of the illuminated Baha’i Gardens. As individuals, we are free to partake in any religious activities that don’t directly interfere with the Bahá’í teachings. Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation it is a feast day where one prepares by fasting for it. The day of Naw-Rúz is also one of the nine Bahá’í Holy Days and so Bahá’ís suspend work to celebrate. The Baha'i calendar has nineteen months, each consisting of nineteen days, and each named for one of the attributes of God. Thank you so much! However, as many Christians pause to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus, Baha’is too can stop to reflect on the significance of this day. I have been asked by a few friends if I celebrate Christmas. Eight years ago, in 2011, the United Nations proclaimed July 30 th as the annual International Day of Friendship. Prayer books and writings are prominent, as well as books on Bahá’í history and current topics. With the exception of New Year, Bahá'í holidays commemorate major events in the lives of the founders of the Bahá'í Faith. I send "Happy Holi" cards to my Indian friends and "Happy Solstice" cards to my Wiccan friends. I often find it hard to focus on the spiritual aspects of Christmas because of the heavy cultural significance it has acquired. Instead of decorations, some families opt to dress their best and have a special meal together. Check your email for the latest from BahaiTeachings.org. However, I feel this sense of longing for celebrating something this year. He it is Who purified the world. That being said, however, Baha’is are free to participate in the celebrations observed by their friends and family who adhere to other religions. Pagans had Nothing to do with Christmas lies. The birth of Jesus marked the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies about a new Manifestation of God. RELATED: Every New Era Brings A New Calendar. Another Baha’i family hosts a special dinner to invite friends who did not receive an invitation to Christmas dinner. Baha’i Faith; Do Bahá’ís Celebrate Christmas? Others pass on participating in Christmas gift exchanges with family and instead find ways they could collectively be of service to their community. The Baha'i Faith is a religion which exists independently of all other religions. Another could be to offer a hand at the local shelter for their annual Christmas feast. – The Baha’i World, Volume 4, p. 379. The Baha'i year begins on Naw Ruz (lit. Baha’is do not, however, celebrate Christmas within their communities as one of the Baha’i Holy Days. A very blessed Christmas to all our Christian friends! When I was employed with the government I would offer to work for my Christian co-workers over the Christmas holidays and they in their turn agreed to cover my duties over Baha’i holidays like Ayyam-i-Ha and Naw … The Baha'i Faith is a religion which exists independently of all other religions. In addition, there are books and materials in languages other than English, selections for children and youth, interfaith materials and Ruhi books for purchase. Here is the text of the message: A Christmas message from the Australian Baha’i Community. This meant my family observed Baha’i Holy Days and other significant days — such as Ayyam-i-Ha; Naw Ruz; Ridvan; and the birth of the Twin Manifestations, the Bab and Baha’u’llah — with unique activities surrounding gift-giving, hospitality, service, and charity. In my childhood and youth in Australia, we celebrated Christmas with my father’s side of the family, who carry strong Irish Catholic traditions. Posted on December 15, 2014 by Kamelia. As a community, Baha’is are encouraged to emphasize celebrating Baha’i Holy Days and discontinue celebrating other religious Holy Days —because, otherwise, why would we have Baha’i Holy Days? The Writings speak beautifully about the life and station of Jesus. Through Him the leper recovered from the leprosy of perversity and ignorance. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. The perpetuation of such cultural characteristics is an expression of unity in diversity.” Some Baha’is don’t celebrate Halloween, while others dress in costumes, hand out candy, and decorate their homes. One thing is for sure: there are many ways for Baha’is — and people of other faiths — to inclusively take part in the spirit and festivities of the season while also strengthening their family and faith traditions. Baha'i Holidays and Festivals There are nine annual Bahá'í holy days plus an annual fast. I love seeing the lights and decorations, although I usually do not put up any myself. Christmas is celebrated by most people in Canada and elsewhere and the Bahá'ís join in these celebrations with their Christian friends. Blessed, indeed, are those who recognize the immense gift of His divine teachings. They include writings from Christianity and the Baha’i Faith that highlight the station of Jesus and his importance to the world —  like these words from Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith: We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things. Daily Kent Stater Becca Liptok and Carmel Clavin celebrate Christmas like most Americans. I love seeing the lights and decorations, although I usually do not put up any myself. But CAN Bahá’ís celebrate Christmas? Jan 23, 2014 - Explore Anisa Foroughi's board "Baha'i Celebrations" on Pinterest. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him. You could create an interfaith calendar of all the religious traditions and holy days. As Christmas and the end of the Gregorian calendar year approach, I see many questions on my Facebook feed, asking: Do Baha’is celebrate Christmas? Incarnation theology are integral to it, it isnt just hte birth of Christ it is him as God totally becoming incarnate. I’m a sucker for holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel. Baha’is do not, however, celebrate Christmas within their communities as one of the Baha’i Holy Days. However, the global governing body of the Baha’i community, the Universal House of Justice, wrote in a 1989 letter to a Baha’i: … there is no harm in Baha’is sharing Christmas with Christian relatives or … Each Bahá’í community will then celebrate according to local custom. Although the Bahá'í writings use a masculine pronoun to refer to God, this is to suit the language in which they were originally written. The following suggestions could be adapted for many holy days and faith traditions — not just Christmas. How’s that for definitive? Baha’is do not celebrate Christmas among themselves, that is other Baha’is, however if the Baha’i has Christian relatives they can participate in some Christmas customs with their family. Of spiritual introspection has its own holy days and so Bahá ’ ís celebrate Christmas their. The real significance of the Baha ' i calendar consists of 19 months, 19... 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