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The Three Symbols of the Baha'i Faith

AOA NEWS
By Tahlib
Three symbols of the Baha'i faith
To Western eyes, Baha'i art including its most noted adherent & prominent American artist, Mark Tobey is not that different from Islamic art. The portrayal of the faith's most holy leaders including Abraham, Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Buddha, etc is forbidden but calligraphic symbols are often used. This Sunday, January 15 as members of the faith throughout the United States celebrate the 63rd annual World Religion Day (founded 1949) that ceremony will include three very Islamic looking symbols: First, a simple nine-pointed star is generally used by Baha’is as a symbol of their Faith; second, Baha’i ringstones and other Baha’i identity jewelry serve as a visual reminder of God’s purpose for man; and thirdly, calligraphic forms of the word Baha known as the "Greatest Name", a reference to the Faith's Prophet-Founder Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), a former follower of Islam.
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Comments

Candace Moore Hill said…
Nice post about Baha'i symbols, but be assured that there are no Baha'i ceremonies. Key belief in the Baha'i Faith is that there is no dogma or ceremonial rituals or services. Certainly there will be a lovely program, with devotions, music and eloquent talks, but not a ceremony.
Wed Jan 11, 03:09:00 PM EST
Ernest Disney-Britton said…
Thanks Candace for your comment, and I am very excited about learning more about the Baha'i tradition through art. I also see that the word "ceremony" has a meaning for you that I have yet to understand, but hopefully I will understand more over time. As an event planner, my 4th of July fireworks activities are ceremonial rituals, as is the superbowl Sunday with family & friends; and in fact, any program that happens is a ceremony of sorts. Words like ceremony can have powerful meanings in differing contexts so your comment is really appreciated.
Wed Jan 11, 09:11:00 PM EST
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