CRAFTS FOR THE BAB WAS THE FORERUNNER OF BAHA’U’LLAH G3L12

Materials:

• Small pieces of fabric (felt, cotton, or any cloth, preferably in neutral or earthy tones)
• Small strips of paper (for the message)
• Twine or ribbon (to tie the fabric)
• Markers or pens
• Gold or silver stickers (optional, to decorate the message or cloth)
• Glue (optional, for decoration)
• Scissors
• Small decorative stamps or stickers (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Fabric:
   • Cut the fabric into small squares or rectangles, large enough to wrap around the message you will create (around 6×6 inches works well).
   • You can tea-stain the fabric for an antique look if you want to give it a more historical feel, like the cloth Mullá Ḥusayn used.
2. Create the Message:
   • Cut small strips of paper (about 2×4 inches) to represent the Báb’s Writings.
   • Have the children write or draw a special message on the paper. This could be a short quote, a prayer, or even a simple drawing that symbolizes love, unity, or spiritual growth. You could use markers or pens with gold or silver ink to make it feel more precious.
3. Wrap the Message:
   • Once the message is complete, place it in the center of the cloth square.
   • Fold the sides of the cloth around the message, wrapping it carefully to protect it, much like how Mullá Ḥusayn would have wrapped the Báb’s Writings.
4. Tie the Cloth:
   • Use twine or ribbon to tie the cloth package, symbolizing the way the message was securely delivered. You can make a simple knot or a decorative bow.
5. Optional Decoration:
   • Decorate the outside of the cloth with small gold or silver stickers, or use stamps to mark it with simple designs like stars, hearts, or even a sun to symbolize spiritual light and guidance.
   • For extra detail, children can glue small symbols or embellishments onto the cloth, such as beads or gems to represent the importance of the message.
6. Final Reflection:
   • Once the craft is complete, children can exchange their cloth-wrapped messages with each other, reflecting on the importance of delivering and receiving messages with care and respect, much like Mullá Ḥusayn’s sacred duty in the story.
   • This can also serve as a conversation starter about the importance of sharing wisdom and spreading the news of the new Faith, just as the Letters of the Living did.

This craft represents the careful and sacred nature of Mullá Ḥusayn’s mission to deliver the Báb’s Writings to Bahá’u’lláh. It encourages children to reflect on the weight of spiritual responsibilities and the importance of the Báb’s Message. It also emphasizes the idea of wrapping and delivering something precious—both physically and spiritually.

Materials:

• Large sheet of paper or parchment-style paper
• Markers or colored pencils
• String or twine
• Scissors
• Glue
• Small decorative items (glitter, stickers, etc.)
• Tea (for staining, if you want to give it an old-world look)
• Map outline of Persia, Mecca, Medina, and significant cities like Shíráz and Iṣfáhán

Steps:

1. Stain the Paper (optional):
   • To give the paper an ancient look, dip tea bags in water and lightly brush the surface of the paper. Let it dry fully before moving to the next step.
2. Map Creation:
   • Draw a simple map on the paper, marking important locations like Núr (Bahá’u’lláh’s birthplace), Shíráz, Iṣfáhán, Mecca, and Medina. Use colored markers or pencils to make the map engaging.
   • Mark the route that Mullá Ḥusayn took to deliver the Báb’s message and the pilgrimage route the Báb and Quddús took to Mecca and Medina.
3. Message Delivery Symbolism:
   • In the corner of the map, have the children create a small scroll using a separate piece of paper. Write or draw a message on it (symbolizing the message that Mullá Ḥusayn delivered to Bahá’u’lláh) and attach it to the map using glue or a small string. This could be a quote or an illustration representing truth and wisdom.
4. Pilgrimage Journey:
   • Trace the pilgrimage route with string, showing the Báb and Quddús’ travels to Mecca and Medina. You can add small stickers or drawings along the path, such as camels or stars, representing their holy journey.
5. Representation of Persecution:
   • Along the map where persecution occurred, cut small flames from paper and glue them to the map to represent the struggles and the pressure faced by Quddús and his companions. These can symbolize strength, courage, and perseverance.
6. Bahá’u’lláh’s Family and District of Núr:
   • In another corner of the map, children can draw a small scene that represents the district of Núr—perhaps including trees, mountains, or a sun to symbolize the beauty of Bahá’u’lláh’s birthplace.
7. Boat Journey to Iṣfáhán:
   • At the bottom of the map, create a small paper boat to symbolize the Báb’s journey from Shíráz to Iṣfáhán. Attach it to the map near the route northward, showing the spread of the Báb’s message.
8. Decorations:
   • Decorate the scroll-map with stars (representing fame spreading) or other meaningful symbols (like doves for peace, hearts for love, etc.).

Final Touch:

Roll up the entire map like a scroll and tie it with string or ribbon, representing the idea that the message of the Báb was carried through time and space.

Materials:

• Clear plastic or glass bottle with a cap (a water bottle or mason jar works well)
• Water
• Blue food coloring or liquid watercolor
• Baby oil or cooking oil
• Small foam or plastic boat (you can make your own boat out of paper if none are available)
• Glitter (optional, to represent prayers and the calmness of the Báb)
• Hot glue or strong tape (to seal the bottle)
• Permanent markers (optional, for decorating the outside of the bottle)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Water:
   • Fill about half of the bottle with water. Add a few drops of blue food coloring or liquid watercolor to represent the sea. Stir it gently to mix the color evenly.
2. Add the Oil:
   • Fill the rest of the bottle with baby oil or cooking oil. This oil represents the calm serenity of the Báb amidst the chaos. The oil and water will not mix, creating a “stormy sea” effect with waves when the bottle is moved.
3. Boat on the Sea:
   • Place a small foam or plastic boat inside the bottle. If you don’t have a toy boat, you can make a simple one from paper or craft foam. This boat represents the vessel the Báb and Quddús traveled on during their stormy journey.
4. Optional Glitter:
   • Sprinkle a small amount of glitter into the bottle to symbolize the prayers and calmness of the Báb. The glitter will float gently when the bottle is moved, creating a peaceful effect.
5. Seal the Bottle:
   • Use hot glue or strong tape to tightly seal the cap of the bottle to prevent any spills. This will allow the children to shake and roll the bottle without the liquid leaking.
6. Decorate the Bottle:
   • If desired, children can use permanent markers to decorate the outside of the bottle. They can draw symbols such as stars, waves, or peaceful prayers to remind them of the Báb’s calmness and Quddús’s faith during the journey.
7. Final Touch:
   • Once the bottle is sealed and decorated, have the children gently shake or tilt the bottle to see how the “stormy seas” react. They will see the waves of the water swirling around the oil, and the glitter and boat calmly moving through the bottle.

This craft visually demonstrates the contrast between the rough seas (represented by the swirling water) and the calm serenity of the Báb (represented by the oil and floating boat). The bottle can serve as a reminder of how the Báb continued to dictate prayers and tablets despite the storms, symbolizing His unwavering faith and tranquility in the face of challenges.

Materials:

• Thick cardstock or cardboard (for the base of the door)
• Colored paper (for decorating the door)
• Wooden sticks or craft sticks (for the doorframe or accents)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Craft glue or hot glue
• Scissors
• Decorative items like sequins, beads, or small gems (to create Persian-style embellishments)
• Ribbons or thin yarn (for door handles)
• Optional: Gold or silver foil paper (for extra shine and decoration)

Steps:

1. Cut Out the Door Shape:
   • Start by cutting a rectangular or arch-shaped door from thick cardstock or cardboard. Persian doors often had an elegant arch or pointed top, so you can create a more traditional style by cutting an arch at the top of the door.
2. Create the Door Panels:
   • To make the door look realistic, you can add smaller panels of colored paper or cardboard on top of the main door shape. Cut two or three rectangular shapes and glue them onto the base door to mimic a classic Persian door design.
3. Add Door Frame and Accents:
   • Use craft sticks or cut-out strips of colored paper to create the doorframe around the edge of your door. You can also add crossbars or diagonal accents to make the door look more ornate. Persian doors often had intricate geometric patterns, so you can glue wooden sticks or strips in interesting designs.
4. Design Persian Patterns:
   • On the panels or the background, use markers or colored pencils to draw traditional Persian designs such as floral patterns, geometric shapes, or swirls. You could also use stamps or stencils to help with this part. The designs should be intricate, resembling Persian tile or carpet patterns.
5. Embellish with Decorations:
   • Add decorative touches to your door with sequins, small beads, or gems. Glue them in places where you want the door to shine or add a luxurious feel. You can place these around the doorframe or within the panels to make the door look grand and significant.
6. Create a Door Handle:
   • Cut a small length of ribbon or yarn to make a handle for the door. Fold it in half to create a loop, and glue the ends to the door at a mid-height point. Persian doors often had ornate door handles, so you can embellish the handle with foil paper or small beads.
7. Add a Message Scroll:
   • To tie the craft to the story, create a small scroll from a piece of paper. Write a message inside (or leave it blank for children to fill in later), roll it up, and tie it with a small piece of string or ribbon. This scroll represents the messages and Writings of the Báb that continued to be shared despite His restricted movement.
8. Optional: Use Gold or Silver Foil Paper:
   • For added richness, you can cut small pieces of gold or silver foil paper and glue them onto the door to resemble metallic accents often seen in Persian doors. These can be used for the doorframe, around the panels, or on the door handle.
9. Finish and Display:
   • Once the door is decorated and dry, it can stand as a symbolic reminder of the story of the Báb’s imprisonment and His eventual release. Children can keep their crafted door as a way to reflect on the importance of perseverance, strength, and faith during trials.

The Persian Door Craft represents the physical restrictions placed on the Báb while He was under house arrest in His uncle’s home, but also symbolizes how His Message continued to spread. The closed door can be seen as a symbol of the barriers His enemies tried to impose, but the intricate decorations, embellishments, and scroll represent the spiritual richness and beauty of His teachings that could not be contained.