Interfaith Community gathers for BAHÁ’Í Celebration
Mary Ann TaylorFeatured Photo: Ayyám-i-Há celebration attendees Joe Lewis, Gwen Massey, Govella Abron, Audrey Brake, Vida Erfani, Rayan Zamani, Donna Abron, Minu Erfani pose for photo. (Enayat Ziaie and Simin Mashreghi in background.) Photo by Mary Ann Taylor.
Bahá’í communities from around the metroplex celebrated Ayyám-i-Há at an international dinner hosted by the Southern Dallas Interfaith Council at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Duncanville on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Joining the celebration were members of all faiths across North Texas wishing everyone a Happy Ayyám-i-Há!
Ayyám-i-Há, an important Bahá’í celebration, began Saturday evening at sunset and ends Wednesday, March 1. In this faith tradition, a year has 19 months of 19 days each. Four or five days are inserted to make a solar calendar rather than a lunar one, so the concept is not unlike the extra day during the leap year. With this addition, the Bahá’í New Year (Naw-Rúz) can always begin on a vernal equinox in 2023, March 21.
Celebrants learned how to honor the tradition of showing love, faith, and unity during the days before the Bahá’í period of fasting, from sunrise to sunset through March 20. Many other faith groups were represented including Muslims, Jews, Latter-day Saints, Catholics, Disciples of Christ, Unitarians, Eastern Orthodox, Christian Scientists, Hindus, and those with no religious affiliation.
Tim and Anne Perry, members of the Duncanville Bahá’í community, led a brief program that included a travel video about Iran, the focus of the dinner. The nation was the birthplace of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, whose name is a title meaning “the Glory of God.” Adherents are now found all over the world; many in attendance Saturday evening did have Iranian heritage, but others hailed from all continents except Antarctica.
Several guests shared special talents. Chant is a special combination of song and prayer. Shahram Rohani sang a beautiful melody for the group. He knows both Persian and Arabic chants. This version from another singer is in Persian.
Live music was presented by Enayat Ziaie on the santour, a hammered dulcimer. His wife Simin Mashreghi sang two traditional songs with his accompaniment. Enayat explained that similar instruments are found in many countries, adding, “Originally, the santour came from the Middle East. The scale is traditional (diatonic), with the addition of a quarter tone.” To Western ears, that variation adds the identifying characteristic of music from Iran.
The evening concluded with dancing. Anne Perry described the technique: “It’s very easy—anyone can do it by swaying slightly. The hands move as if unscrewing a lightbulb.”
Wonderful, colorful, flavorful Persian food was a highlight, but traditional American dishes like macaroni and cheese made the potluck easier for non-Middle Easterners. Interesting flatbreads and crispy rice dishes were especially popular.
Particularly notable were the conversations between people at the many tables. People from all around the world—Iran to Texas, Russia to Montreal, Ecuador to Peru—met and mingled. Atmosphere can’t be put into words easily, of course, but the spirit of friendship was deeply felt by many.
Mark Romney, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Duncanville area, explained that “breaking bread is the best way to get to know people. Being in each other’s homes (and places of worship) breaks down barriers.” On a more personal note, Romney spoke of the kind support offered by interfaith friends from the Dialogue Institute of Dallas upon the unexpected death of his beloved wife Belinda, signing their condolence note “From your cousins.” As difficult as the world can be, he noted, “We believe that we are all children of a Heavenly Father, so yes, we are literally related.”
The Southern Dallas Interfaith Council hopes to continue these international dinners. We love our new friends. Tentatively, two or three of the 54 countries in Africa are next!
Mary Ann Taylor is communications director for the Dallas Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Duncanville.
