Naw Ruz is the Baha'i New Year
Butterfly
On the first day of spring, Baha'is all over the world celebrate Naw Ruz or New Year (literally "New Day" in Persian). It is a joyful day in which the community gathers to share food, stories and entertainment. In the Portland area, festivities will be held in Beaverton, Portland, Washington County and Vancouver, WA and include music, potluck dinners, and dancing.
Baha'i Calendar
The Baha'i calendar dates from 1844, when the Báb declared that the Promised One of all ages, Bahá'u'lláh, would appear soon. Signifying the importance of this new era, the Báb instituted a new calendar that restored the solar year. This Baha'i calendar consists of 19 months of 19 days each with certain additional "intercalary days" to keep it adjusted to the solar year (4 on normal years, 5 on leap years). These days (Feb. 26 to March 1) are called "Ayyám-i-Há" and are a period of hospitality, charity and giving gifts.
"This sacred day, when the sun illumines equally the whole earth... is the symbol of the Manifestation of God. The Sun of Truth rises on the horizon of Divine Mercy and sends forth its rays.... The human reality begins to live, our thoughts are transformed and our intelligence is quickened. The Sun of Truth bestows Eternal Life, just as the solar sun is the cause of terrestrial life."— 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Fast and New Year
Following Ayyám-i-Há is the last month of the year, in which Baha'is fast to prepare for the new year. For 19 days, Baha'is abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, eating only before sunrise and after sunset. It is a symbolic fast; a reminder to abstain from selfish desires and to focus on cleansing and purifying one's spirit. It is a time of spiritual renewal. Those who are ill or traveling do not fast. Neither do children, elders or women who are pregnant or nursing. At sunset on the 19th day, Baha'is break their fast with the joyful celebration of Naw Ruz and a new year begins.
The Baha'is welcome you to join in and celebrate with these family friendly Naw Ruz events.