Dancing and fun activities unify people of all ages and cultures.

In November, Portland Baha’i Karen Thomas and William Thomas responded to an invitation from the Vue Family of Portland, OR. This reporter accompanied them. The invitation was announced in early November to the Baha’is of Portland to attend the Annual Family “Noj Tshiab” Dinner set for Margaret Scott Elementary on Sat., Nov. 19. (“Noj Tshiab” is Hmong for New Year’s Eve Dinner.) Guests were asked to bring their “dancing shoes”.

Karen and William arrived in the school gym and soon discovered the sumptuous buffet of rice, vegetable salad, salad roll, Pa Thai noodle, exquisite dishes made with fresh beef, topped off by “na va” dessert.  Live musicians were playing lively, danceable music and the dance floor at one end of the gym was equally alive with young dancers. Everyone — young and old, was moved by the music to join in each dance …little children, too! With his guitar, Long Vue (one of the hosts) eagerly joined in the music.

Youth enjoying the food and the music.

Koneng Vue, a member of the hosting family, shares cultural background of the Hmong people:

“In the Hmong culture, New Year is celebrated at the end of December to early January. Historically Hmong New Year starts with a New Year Eve dinner, followed by several weeks of community fun activities. New Year Eve dinner is when family prepares food and share with other families and friends to celebrate the hard year’s work, and hope for a more prosperous year. Today, with busy schedules and no “free space” to host the traditionally weeks-long celebration, the combined family “Noj Tshiab” dinner and entertainment symbolizes cherished traditional values as well as create an environment for both young and old to come together. “Noj Tshiab” dinner is the least that today’s Hmong community can do to educate their children about treasured Hmong culture, bring youth and adults together through fun dinner activities, and preserve the value of families (binded by clan name or relationships) helping each other to purchase and prepare food, and share with the larger community – friends and families from near and afar – at no cost to the guests, except a curious intention to enjoy…each other’s presence (life), what are on the dinner table, the air, and the laughter of youth and adults harmonizing the differences (or “gap”) of growing in a different time and place.”

Karen and William Thomas join the dancing.

In Koneng’s description can be seen the light of unity promised by Abdu’l-Baha in London, England in 1911-12. At the age of 67, He made His journey from Akka (the prison city of the Ottoman Empire) to western Europe and North America to advance the unity of all peoples. He promised that:

“The darkness of suppression will disappear and the light of unity will shine. We cannot bring love and unity to pass merely by talking of it. Knowledge is not enough. Wealth, science, education are good, we know: but we must also work and study to bring to maturity the fruit of knowledge.”

(Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 54)

Music in any culture is music to the mind and joy to the heart!

With gratitude to the Vues and their extended families, we share with you and many readers this celebration of unity.

A Happy Hmong/Mong New Year to all!

The Shrine of the Báb, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel.

In October Baha’is celebrate the birth the Báb—one of two divine teachers who founded the Baha’i Faith. He is often referred to as the Herald of the Baha’i Faith, as it was His mission to prepare the people for the coming of Bahá’u'lláh.

Born on October 20, 1819 in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), the child was named Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad. He later took the title the “Báb,” which means “gate” in Arabic, as a symbol of His station as forerunner, the One who opens the door to a new revelation from God.

The Báb was the son of a merchant of Shiraz. Both his parents were descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. When he was young, his father died and he was raised by his uncle. When the Báb was sent to school, the schoolmaster was astonished at his wisdom and understanding. He sent the child back to his uncle, saying he had nothing to teach this extraordinary child. The Báb’s uncle insisted that the Báb return to school and continue his studies. Over time, however, the schoolmaster began to feel that he himself was the student as he listened to the Báb’s explanations of spiritual truths.

In 1844, the Báb declared that He was a messenger from God sent to announce the imminent coming of an even greater prophet who would bring teachings for an age of universal peace. Nineteen years later, Bahá’u'lláh announced that He was that promised prophet and revealed teachings of extraordinary depth and scope, teachings that lay the groundwork for a peaceful, dynamic global civilization.

The Báb’s teachings and radiant character attracted tens of thousands of followers and the authorities became alarmed. He was executed in 1850 in the public square of Tabriz, on the order of the Persian government. His remains were later entombed on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel and His shrine is now a place of pilgrimage for followers of the Baha’i Faith.

As Baha’is remember the birth and life and teachings of the Báb, they come together in joyous celebration of the dawn of a new Day of peace.

Come and join us on this festive occasion:

*A note about the Bahá’í calendar: the Baha’i day starts at sunset, so often when there is an evening celebration, it occurs on the evening before the Holy Day.

The burial place of Baha'u'llah and the adjacent house where He lived His final years are located in Acre, Israel. The shrine (the square darker building at the front of the complex) and gardens are open to the public.

Come and join us as we celebrate this holiest of festivals:

Some two kilometers southeast of the historic city of Acre, the Ridvan Garden - created for Baha'u'llah - has been restored to its original island setting. The centerpiece is a fountain from which water is conveyed into a canal that runs past the garden.

The Festival of Ridvan (Riz-wahn), celebrated from April 21 to May 2, commemorates the anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s declaration in 1863 that He was the Promised One of all earlier religions.

The Ridvan period is bittersweet, as Baha’u’llah was soon to be exiled to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). Baha’u’llah spent 12 days in a garden in Baghdad visiting with His followers. He named the garden Ridvan, which means “Paradise” or “good pleasure” in Arabic.

When He entered the garden, Baha’u'llah proclaimed the Festival of Ridvan and made three announcements: First, He forbade His followers to fight to advance or defend the Faith (religious war had been permitted under past religions); second, He declared there would not be another prophet for another 1,000 years; and third, He proclaimed that all the names of God were inherent in all things at that moment.

Baha’u'llah’s arrival in Ridvan and his announcement of the Festival of Ridvan mark the moment when the essence of the Baha’i Faith was expressed.

Baha’is suspend work on the holiest days of Ridvan—the first, ninth and 12^th . These mark the day of Baha’u’llah’s arrival in the garden, the arrival of His family and the group’s departure for Constantinople.

The Most Great Festival is, indeed, the King of Festivals. Call ye to mind, O people, the bounty which God hath conferred upon you. Ye were sunk in slumber, and lo! He aroused you by the reviving breezes of His Revelation, and made known unto you His manifest and undeviating Path. — Baha’u'llah

Throughout Ridvan, Baha’is gather for devotions and attend social gatherings. In Texas, Perry Productions has been staging a Ridvan pageant for the last 10 years.

At Ridvan, Baha’is annually elect members of local and national administrative bodies, called Spiritual Assemblies. Baha’u’llah taught that in an age of universal education, there was no longer a need for a special class of clergy. Instead, he provided a framework for administering the affairs of the Faith through a system of elected councils at the local, national and international levels. All Baha’i elections occur through secret ballot and plurality vote, without candidacies, nominations or campaigning.

Along with their family, they also created a 9-sided cookie temple inspired by the Brilliant Star Bahá’í children’s magazine. It was a fun-filled weekend of service and good cheer for the entire family.

On the last day of Ayyam-i-Ha, the children shared the concept of this Bahá’í holy day and a quote from the Bahá’í Writings plus pictures of their weekend activities with their 4th grade class at school.

“It behoveth the people of Baha, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name.” — Baha’u’llah

Hmong women in traditional dress celebrate the New Year.

By Loie Mead

Each year during December, Portland Baha’is enjoy celebrating the Hmong New Year with friends from Laos. They have cherished memories of past celebrations with families who came from Laos in the early 1980′s. They were Hmong refugees who fought for freedom alongside the US military and they were families who survived the horrors of war. Many waited in the camps of Thailand praying to be united with fathers, sons and brothers. Survivors were eventually airlifted to safety in nations like France, Canada and the United States.

When families settled in Portland, Baha’is and people of religion began to meet their new neighbors and to assist them with housing, shopping, obtaining drivers’ licenses, filling out forms, learning English, helping children with homework and adjusting to a foreign land. The Hmong were uniquely resourceful, eager and efficient in caring for their families’ needs in this nation. At the same time, there was a great need for the rest of us to gain experience in working with our newly-made friends. In reality we will always be learning from our Hmong brothers and sisters, and it is hoped that they remain forever willing to strive with us, for the betterment of the world.  This has never been more urgent as all attest to in these present times.

Long-time friends celebrate Hmong New Year.

Although celebration of the Hmong New Year has changed since the arrival of the friends in Portland, the spirit of the traditional Hmong New Year is ever present.  Historically it was “a time for rest from harvest and work, a time for getting together, a time for starting anew, a new year or a new beginning.”[1]  The common expression used at the celebration is “throw or wash away the old and bad and bring in the new and good.”  Evidences of the changed celebration over the years was experienced at the Nyob Zoo Kyoo Tshiab or Hmong New Year Banquet,[1]  on Saturday, December 4, in the Airport Holiday Inn’s banquet hall.

We were  warmly greeted by Mr. William B. Cha, President of the Hmong American Community of Oregon. We were a group of  12 Baha’is and friends from Portland and vicinity with cherished memories of serving with Hmong families in the Portland Baha’i Center (formerly the old St. Johns Post Office).  The banquet hall was a sea of over 400 friends of Hmong heritage, city officials and admirers of the Community.  The luminous colors of Hmong traditional dress moved throughout the hall.  Little children scampered about the large round tables as our hosts led us to seating for a sumptuous dinner.

Steven Cha performs with the "Qeej", an instrument with highly spiritual significance.

Dianne Yongchu, Mistress of Ceremonies, opened the program. The New Year Opening Dance “Colorful Water Lillies” was performed by Nixhais Nplaim Dej.  Mr. William B. Cha graciously welcomed everyone with opening remarks.  Mr. and Mrs. Va Nou Cha presented the Hmong Traditional New Year Song with Mrs. Cha in a supportive role to her husband who chanted beautifully. Rousing ovations were accorded several persons of Hmong heritage who have excelled academically and served in meritorious ways in the larger community.  Then City officials gave their New Year messages: Eric Hendricks, Valang Khamsouk, Randy Shannon, and The Honorable Sam Adams as Mayor of Portland. Every message praised the Hmong friends and encouraged them to seek out increasing involvement in the larger community.

A Hmong Fashion Show delighted the crowd, and especially with a couple who danced the Hmong-American dance, in which the girl and boy clasped hands in a show of unity.  A Hmong New Year greeting from the Metro Baha’is was presented by Loie Mead who recalled a loving and close relationship with families, attributed unity building skills to the Hmong, and called for everyone to build a spiritual community in the City of Portland. Then Steven Cha, a former member of the ROSES After School Mentoring Project, offered the beautiful Hmong Qeej Performance. (The qeej, a magnificent instrument has highly spiritual significance and performance in public settings is becoming rare.)  The program closed with the Lucky Charms dancing a Hmong Dance and with appreciative remarks by Dr. Bruce Bliatout, Ph.D.

The warmth of greetings and hugs among longtime friends was enjoyed during the entire evening. Young adults and others poured out onto the open floor to dance to live music.  Further heartwarming developments occurred the following week when young adults contacted the Baha’i community requesting information about volunteering and core activities of the Baha’i Faith, specifically the Junior Youth Empowerment program.

“Bring in the new and good!”
(an ancient Hmong New Year phrase)

Preserving inherited cultural identities in harmony with principles of the Baha’i Faith
is an expression of unity in diversity.

“…Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.”
~ ‘Abdu’l-Baha

The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service was presented by the IAN and the following organizations: Baha’is of Washington County; Calvary Lutheran Church; Chinmaya Mission; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, Cedar Mill Stake; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, Hillsboro Stake; Church of Scientology; Family Bridge; First Congregational United Church of Christ, Hillsboro; Islamic Society of Greater Portland; Murray Hills Christian Church; Oregon Area Jewish Committee; St. Matthew Catholic Church; The Table, A Christian Community; Unity of Beaverton.

__________________

Reprinted with permission from the Inter-Religious Action Network of Washington County

“In those days, there was born a Child in an ancient and noble family of Nur (a province in Persia, now Iran), whose father was Mirza Abbas, better known as Mirza Buzurg, a favoured minister of the Crown.  That Child was Baha’u'llah.  At the hour of dawn, on the second day of Muharram, in the year A.H. 1233 (12 November A.D. 1817), the world, unaware of its significance, witnessed the birth of Him who was destined to confer upon it such incalculable blessings,” recorded by Nabil in his book The Dawn-Breakers.

Children gather to hear stories of Baha'u'llah during the celebration at the Portland Baha'i Center.

The Child’s name was Mirza Husayn Ali and He was born into a family of wealth and nobility; however He gave up a life of comfort to proclaim a new revelation from God.  When His mission and station as a Messenger of God was announced, it incurred the wrath of the Persian government and clergy, and Baha’u'llah spent much of the rest of His life in prison or exile. Yet Baha’u'llah (a title meaning “The Glory of God”) brought the message of unity to all of humanity, and today millions are responding to the call of God as they listen to His Message.

On the eve of November 12, 2010 (193 years since His birth) Portlanders and guests thronged the Portland Baha’i Center to celebrate the high Holy Day… the Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u'llah.  The joy of the occasion stands in stark contrast to the apathy and depression found in much of today’s society.

The celebration began with lively fellowship and refreshments downstairs in the Center. One  man who attended exclaimed, “…the sight of people engaged in joyful conversation…changed everything for me.” People valued the extended time for meeting and greeting individuals.  There was a great happiness that moved throughout the crowd.  It created a wonderful expectancy for the significant program that followed.

One woman reveals her greatest happiness as “simply seeing the fruit of careful, joyful, and loving consultative planning.  It takes effort and attention to many details to make such a lovely, lively and yet respectful event successful…It seems that the love and enthusiasm of the planners ignited the joy of [those] who attended.”  Noting a particular part of the program, the woman was moved when the many children present drew close to hear the storytelling of an Iranian father.

A young woman cherishes a memory of the generations present in the Main Hall.  “From infant to great-grandparents, it was lovely and familial to see the diversity in age celebrating together for the entire evening.  The highlight for me was when Brendon Bassett played guitar and sang songs from my childhood.  Several of us all grew up together singing those songs…and it was a pleasure to share them with the newer and older generations present.”  His music included “Greatest Name,” “Colors,” and “Glorious Day”.

Children quickly learn from their teachers that music, according to the Baha’i Writings, is “a ladder for the soul,” and it is not surprising that increasing numbers of young students are stepping forward to share their talents. Coral Ng played the guitar and sang “I Have Found Baha’u'llah in the Early Days of My Life.” Sameen Meshkin played the santoor  revealing “beauty and excellence” through years of study.

A father of young children describes his happiness as “absolutely spellbinding” to see the slide show during the program.  He noted that he had often seen photos of the holy places, but seeing all the images in the slides gave him a different appreciation for the time and place of Baha’u'llah’s life.  “I spent a lot of time with my new little boy, and I will remember that with great happiness,” he added.

A member of the planning committee was especially moved when, toward the end of the program, she found herself at the microphone.  Her heart filled with love as she looked about the Main Hall at people she knew and many she did not. She marveled at all who had answered God’s call.  She marveled at the Child Who came to unite all the peoples of the world.

Shrine of Baha'u'llah in Bahji, Israel.

On November 12, Baha’is in every country celebrate the birth of Bahá’u'lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Baha’u’llah is recognized by close to six million followers around the world as the Manifestation of God, or Divine Teacher for this age. He taught that all of the Manifestations of God — which include Moses, Abraham, Christ, Muhammad, Krishna and Buddha — have been sent by a loving Creator at intervals throughout history to help us know and worship Him and bring human civilization to ever-higher levels of achievement.

Baha’u’llah’s central message for humanity in this day is one of unity and justice. In two oft-quoted passages He wrote:

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

“The best beloved of all things in My sight is justice.”

Born into a noble family in 19th century Persia, Baha’u’llah’s destiny would seem to have been one of wealth and ease. Yet from an early age He showed little interest in following in His father’s footsteps at the Shah’s court, preferring to spend His time and resources in ministering to the poor. Later, His recognition of the religion of His forerunner, the Bab, caused Him to be cast into prison and subsequently exiled.

Throughout His long years of exile, Baha’u’llah revealed divinely inspired passages equivalent to more than 100 volumes. This revelation comprises mystical writings, social and ethical teachings, laws and ordinances, and a fearless proclamation of His message to the kings and rulers of the world, including Napoleon III, Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX, the Shah of Persia, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany and the Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria.

Baha’u’llah passed on in 1892, still nominally a prisoner in Palestine. The day of His birth and Ascension (May 29) are two of nine holy days on which Baha’is suspend work and school.*

Come join us for joyous celebrations of Baha’u’llah’s birth:

A note about the Bahá’í calendar: the Baha’i day starts at sunset, so often when there is an evening celebration, it occurs on the evening before the Holy Day.

__________________

*Reprinted in part, with permission from the Baha’is of the United States
(see U.S. Baha’i News)