September 30 – Rumi Poetry Day

Rumi Poetry Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE RUMI POETRY DAY

•  Enjoy The New Yorker article, “The Erasure of Islam from the Poetry of Rumi.”
•  135 Rumi quotes you’ll love!
•  Read more about Rumi on World History.Org.
•  Treat yourself to some beautiful Rumi gifts.
• If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!

FEATURED ITEM FOR RUMI POETRY DAY

Rumi is one of the most popular poets in the world. His poetry is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Born in present-day Afghanistan, Rumi was a highly respected scholar and theologian. However, it was his poetry that garnered the most attention, and it is his poems that have made him one of the most beloved poets of all time. Rumi’s poetry is characterized by its beautiful imagery and spiritual themes. His poems often explore the topics of love, loss, and hope.

In addition to being a renowned poet, Rumi was also a Sufi mystic. As such, his poetry often contains mystical and religious undertones. Regardless of their background or beliefs, readers can find something to appreciate in Rumi’s poetry. For this reason, Rumi remains one of the most widely read and loved poets in the world.

RUMI POETRY DAY:  A BRIEF HISTORY OF RUMI

Rumi was born in 1207 to a fairly wealthy family in present-day Afghanistan. However, his life changed dramatically when his father died and his family was forced to move to Turkey. There, Rumi started to learn about Islam and became increasingly interested in spiritual matters. He eventually became a teacher at a madrassa, where he began to develop his own unique style of poetry. It was during this period that Rumi wrote some of his most famous works, including the Masnavi.  Rumi died in 1273 at the age of 66.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE RUMI POETRY DAY

1. Attend a Rumi Poetry Reading: Immerse yourself in the timeless words of Rumi by attending a poetry reading event dedicated to his works. Experience the magic of his poetry brought to life by passionate performers.
2. Organize a Rumi-themed Book Club: Gather friends and book lovers to discuss Rumi’s poetry over tea and snacks. Dive deep into his verses, sharing interpretations and insights.
3. Create Rumi-inspired Art: Let Rumi’s poetry ignite your creativity. Paint, sketch, or sculpt pieces inspired by his verses, expressing the emotions and themes they evoke.
4. Host a Rumi Poetry Slam: Encourage creativity and expression by hosting a poetry slam focused exclusively on Rumi’s works. Invite poets to share their original compositions inspired by his poetry.
5. Take a Rumi-inspired Nature Walk: Connect with nature while reflecting on Rumi’s profound connection to the natural world. Wander through parks or serene landscapes, meditating on his verses.
6. Attend a Sufi Whirling Workshop: Experience the spiritual practice of Sufi whirling, a form of meditation inspired by Rumi’s teachings. Learn the art of spinning and embrace the inner journey it symbolizes.
7. Write Your Own Rumi-inspired Poetry: Channel your inner poet and compose verses inspired by Rumi’s themes of love, spirituality, and inner transformation. Let his words spark your own creative expression.
8. Host a Rumi-themed Dinner Party: Gather friends for a culinary celebration inspired by Rumi’s cultural heritage. Serve dishes from the Middle East and share poetry readings between courses.
9. Create a Rumi Poetry Corner: Designate a cozy corner in your home or a public space where people can relax and immerse themselves in Rumi’s poetry. Provide books or printed poems for visitors to enjoy.
10. Attend a Rumi-inspired Dance Performance: Experience the beauty of Rumi’s poetry through dance. Attend a performance inspired by his verses, where movement becomes a form of expression.
11. Participate in a Rumi-inspired Meditation Session: Join a guided meditation session focused on themes present in Rumi’s poetry, such as love, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. Find peace and inner reflection through his words.
12. Start a Rumi Study Group: Dive deep into Rumi’s teachings by starting a study group dedicated to exploring his poetry and philosophy. Exchange insights, interpretations, and reflections with fellow enthusiasts.
13. Listen to Rumi-inspired Music: Discover musical compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry. Listen to traditional Sufi music or modern interpretations that capture the essence of his verses.
14. Create Rumi-inspired Calligraphy: Practice the art of calligraphy by writing out Rumi’s verses in elegant script. Focus on the beauty of his words as you hone your skills.
15. Attend a Rumi-themed Lecture or Workshop: Expand your knowledge of Rumi’s life and teachings by attending a lecture or workshop led by experts in Sufi literature and philosophy.
16. Visit a Rumi-related Landmark: Explore places associated with Rumi’s life and legacy, such as his tomb in Konya, Turkey, or museums dedicated to preserving his memory.
17. Join a Rumi-inspired Yoga Class: Practice yoga sequences inspired by Rumi’s poetry, focusing on themes of balance, harmony, and spiritual awakening. Connect mind, body, and spirit through movement and meditation.
18. Host a Rumi-inspired Film Screening: Screen movies or documentaries that explore Rumi’s life, philosophy, or influence on literature and culture. Foster discussion and reflection among attendees.
19. Attend a Rumi-inspired Theater Performance: Experience Rumi’s poetry brought to life on stage through theatrical performances or adaptations. Witness the power of his words in a new and dynamic context.
20. Create a Rumi-themed Collage: Gather images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with Rumi’s poetry and arrange them into a collage. Let your creation reflect the beauty and depth of his verses.
21. Plant a Rumi-inspired Garden: Create a garden space inspired by Rumi’s love for nature and beauty. Choose plants and flowers mentioned in his poetry, creating a serene oasis for contemplation.
22. Host a Rumi Poetry Contest: Encourage creative expression by organizing a poetry contest focused on Rumi’s works. Invite participants to submit original poems inspired by his verses.
23. Attend a Rumi-inspired Photography Exhibition: Explore visual interpretations of Rumi’s poetry through photography exhibitions showcasing images inspired by his themes and motifs.
24. Volunteer for a Rumi-related Cause: Support organizations dedicated to preserving Rumi’s legacy or promoting literacy and education in his honor. Volunteer your time or resources to make a difference.
25. Create a Rumi-inspired Playlist: Curate a playlist featuring songs that capture the essence of Rumi’s poetry. Listen to soulful melodies and lyrics that echo his timeless wisdom and teachings.
26.  Rumi Poetry Trivia: Test your knowledge of Rumi’s poetry with a trivia game focused on his life, works, and teachings. Challenge friends and family to see who knows the most about this beloved poet.
27. Rumi-themed Charades: Act out scenes or emotions inspired by Rumi’s poetry in a game of charades. Use his verses as prompts to convey feelings and concepts without speaking.
28. Rumi Word Association: Play a word association game using key words and phrases from Rumi’s poetry. Connect ideas and concepts to explore the depth of his teachings in a fun and interactive way.
29. Rumi Poetry Pictionary: Put your artistic skills to the test by playing Pictionary with Rumi’s poetry as the theme. Draw scenes or symbols inspired by his verses and challenge others to guess the poem.
30. Rumi Poetry Bingo: Create bingo cards filled with words or themes commonly found in Rumi’s poetry. Mark off squares as you hear or read lines that match the words, aiming to complete a row or column.
31. Rumi-inspired Mad Libs: Fill in the blanks of Rumi-inspired Mad Libs with words that fit the context of his poetry. Create hilarious and imaginative poems by inserting unexpected words into his timeless verses.
32. Rumi Poetry Match Game: Test your memory and matching skills with a game featuring pairs of Rumi’s verses. Flip cards to find matching lines or themes, uncovering the beauty of his poetry along the way.
33. Rumi Poetry Scavenger Hunt: Hide snippets of Rumi’s poetry around your home or a designated area and challenge players to find them all. Encourage participants to contemplate the meaning of each verse they discover.
34. Rumi Poetry Jigsaw Puzzle: Piece together images or phrases from Rumi’s poetry in a jigsaw puzzle. Assemble the puzzle to reveal a beautiful scene or quote, celebrating the depth of his words.
35. Rumi Poetry Memory Game: Test your recall of Rumi’s verses with a memory matching game. Flip cards to reveal lines of poetry and try to find pairs that match, exercising both memory and appreciation for his work.
36. Rumi Poetry Relay Race: Divide into teams and race to recite lines of Rumi’s poetry relay-style. Pass the baton (or in this case, the poetry) to the next teammate, aiming for accuracy and speed.
37. Rumi Poetry Balderdash: Play a game of Balderdash using Rumi’s poetry as the source material. Invent creative definitions for obscure words or phrases from his verses and guess which one is correct.
38. Rumi Poetry Puzzle Hunt: Create a series of puzzles or riddles based on Rumi’s poetry, leading players on a journey of discovery and insight. Solve each puzzle to uncover the next piece of his timeless wisdom.
39. Rumi Poetry Telephone: Sit in a circle and whisper lines of Rumi’s poetry from person to person, seeing how the verses evolve as they’re passed along. Compare the final line with the original to see how it changed.
40. Rumi Poetry Crossword: Solve clues related to Rumi’s life and poetry in a crossword puzzle dedicated to his legacy. Challenge yourself and others to expand their knowledge while having fun.
41. Rumi Poetry Spin-the-Bottle: Use a bottle to select a random participant to recite a line of Rumi’s poetry or share their interpretation of a verse. Spin the bottle to keep the game engaging and inclusive.
42. Rumi Poetry Drawing Challenge: Draw scenes or symbols inspired by Rumi’s poetry within a time limit, challenging yourself to capture the essence of his verses visually.
43. Rumi Poetry Guess Who?: Create cards featuring descriptions of characters or themes from Rumi’s poetry, then take turns guessing which character or concept is being described.
44. Rumi Poetry Tic-Tac-Toe: Play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe using Rumi’s poetry as the grid. Mark squares with lines from his verses, aiming to create a winning combination while appreciating the beauty of his words.
45. Rumi Poetry Role-Playing Game: Take on the roles of characters from Rumi’s poetry and engage in improvised storytelling or philosophical discussions inspired by his verses.
46. Rumi Poetry Alphabet Game: Challenge players to come up with words related to Rumi’s poetry starting with each letter of the alphabet. Race against the clock to fill the entire alphabet with poetic inspiration.
47. Rumi Poetry Relay Writing: Write a collaborative poem inspired by Rumi’s verses, with each player contributing a line or stanza to build upon the previous contributions.
48. Rumi Poetry Guess the Quote: Read out excerpts from Rumi’s poetry and challenge players to guess which poem the lines are from. Encourage discussion about the meanings and interpretations of each quote.
49. Rumi Poetry Hot Potato: Pass around a “hot potato” (or any object) while reciting lines of Rumi’s poetry. Whoever is holding the potato when the recitation stops must recite the next line or verse.
50. Rumi Poetry Truth or Dare: Play a Rumi-themed version of Truth or Dare, where players must either answer questions about Rumi’s life and poetry honestly or complete dares inspired by his teachings and themes.
51.  Rumi Quote Wall Art: Create beautiful wall art featuring your favorite Rumi quotes. Use calligraphy or stencils to write the quotes on canvas or paper, then embellish with paint or decorative elements.
52. Rumi Poetry Bookmarks: Craft elegant bookmarks adorned with Rumi’s poetry. Use decorative paper, ribbons, and stamps to create unique designs that will inspire you every time you open a book.
53. Rumi-Inspired Dream Catchers: Make dream catchers inspired by themes from Rumi’s poetry. Use hoops, feathers, beads, and strings to create intricate designs that capture the essence of his spiritual teachings.
54. Rumi Poetry Mason Jar Lanterns: Transform ordinary mason jars into enchanting lanterns featuring Rumi’s verses. Paint the jars in vibrant colors, then stencil or write poetry onto the glass for a mesmerizing effect when lit with candles.
55. Rumi Poetry Shadow Box: Construct shadow boxes filled with meaningful Rumi quotes and symbols. Arrange miniature objects and images that represent his poetry, creating a visual representation of his profound teachings.
56. Rumi Poetry Embroidery Hoop Art: Embroider Rumi’s poetry onto fabric hoops for charming wall decor. Choose your favorite verses and stitch them using colorful threads and intricate designs.
57. Rumi Poetry Decorative Plates: Design decorative plates adorned with Rumi’s poetry using decoupage techniques. Select excerpts from his works, then apply them to plates for a unique and meaningful display piece.
58. Rumi Poetry Paper Lanterns: Craft paper lanterns featuring Rumi’s verses to illuminate your space with inspiration. Cut out poetry strips and attach them to paper lanterns for a soft glow that highlights his timeless wisdom.
59. Rumi-Inspired Prayer Flags: Create prayer flags inspired by Rumi’s poetry to hang in your home or garden. Write verses onto fabric squares and string them together, allowing the wind to carry his words far and wide.
60. Rumi Poetry Candles: Personalize candles with Rumi’s poetry for a calming and aromatic DIY project. Print or write verses onto tissue paper, then transfer them onto candles using heat for a beautiful, illuminated display.
61. Rumi Poetry Paper Flowers: Make delicate paper flowers embellished with Rumi’s verses. Cut petals from colored paper and write poetry on each one, then assemble them into stunning floral arrangements that symbolize the beauty of his words.
62. Rumi Poetry Collage Journal: Create a collage journal filled with Rumi’s poetry and imagery. Cut out verses and illustrations from magazines or print them from the internet, then arrange them in a journal for a creative and reflective keepsake.
63. Rumi Poetry Clay Pot Planters: Decorate clay pots with Rumi’s poetry to house your favorite plants. Paint the pots in soothing colors, then write or stencil verses onto the surface for a touch of inspiration in your garden or home.
64. Rumi Poetry Glass Bottle Vases: Repurpose glass bottles into elegant vases featuring Rumi’s poetry. Paint the bottles in vibrant colors, then use permanent markers to write verses or quotes onto the glass for a charming centerpiece.
65. Rumi Poetry Beaded Bracelets: Make beaded bracelets adorned with Rumi’s quotes for a wearable reminder of his wisdom. String beads onto elastic cord and add metal charms engraved with his poetry for a personalized touch.
66. Rumi Poetry Paper Lantern Garland: Create a whimsical garland featuring Rumi’s poetry to adorn your living space. Cut out poetry strips and attach them to string lights or twine, then hang them around your home for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
67. Rumi Poetry Fabric Wall Hanging: Sew a fabric wall hanging featuring Rumi’s verses for a decorative touch with spiritual significance. Choose soft, flowing fabrics and embroider or print poetry onto the surface, then hang it in your home for daily inspiration.
68. Rumi Poetry Clay Pendant Necklaces: Craft clay pendant necklaces engraved with Rumi’s poetry for a meaningful accessory. Roll out clay, cut out pendant shapes, then imprint verses onto the surface before baking and stringing them onto chains.
69. Rumi Poetry Wooden Quote Plaques: Make rustic wooden plaques featuring Rumi’s quotes for charming wall decor. Paint or stain wooden boards, then use stencils or hand-lettering techniques to add his poetry for a timeless and heartfelt display.
70. Rumi Poetry Tote Bags: Customize tote bags with Rumi’s poetry for stylish and meaningful accessories. Use fabric markers or paint to write verses onto canvas bags, creating a unique expression of his timeless wisdom.
71. Rumi Poetry Stained Glass Suncatchers: Create stunning stained glass suncatchers adorned with Rumi’s verses. Cut out glass pieces in various shapes and colors, then assemble them into intricate designs featuring his poetry for a captivating display of light and color.
72. Rumi Poetry Rock Art: Paint smooth rocks with Rumi’s poetry for inspirational outdoor decor. Use acrylic paints or permanent markers to write verses onto rocks, then place them in your garden or along pathways for a touch of spiritual beauty.
73. Rumi Poetry Paper Lantern Mobile: Construct a paper lantern mobile featuring Rumi’s verses to hang in your home or garden. Create multiple lanterns adorned with poetry and string them together, allowing them to sway gently in the breeze for a calming effect.
74. Rumi Poetry Ceramic Coasters: Design ceramic coasters featuring Rumi’s poetry for functional and decorative accents. Paint or stencil verses onto ceramic tiles, then seal them for protection against moisture, creating elegant coasters that celebrate his timeless words.
75. Rumi Poetry Origami Bookmarks: Fold origami bookmarks adorned with Rumi’s verses for a simple yet meaningful DIY project. Use decorative origami paper and write poetry on each bookmark, then slip them onto the pages of your favorite books for a touch of inspiration.
76. Persian Love Cake: Indulge in a decadent Persian Love Cake, featuring flavors of rose, cardamom, and pistachio. This aromatic dessert embodies the essence of Rumi’s poetry with its rich and exotic ingredients.
77. Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Prepare a vibrant Mezze platter filled with hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, olives, and pita bread. Celebrate the diverse flavors of the Mediterranean region, echoing Rumi’s message of unity and inclusion.
78. Turkish Delight: Delight your senses with the sweet and fragrant taste of Turkish Delight. These chewy, rosewater-infused confections pay homage to Rumi’s Turkish heritage and are perfect for indulging in moments of reflection.
79. Saffron Rice with Dried Fruits: Cook fragrant saffron rice adorned with dried fruits like apricots, raisins, and cranberries. This aromatic dish embodies the richness of Persian cuisine and is a symbol of abundance and joy, echoing themes found in Rumi’s poetry.
80. Baklava: Sink your teeth into layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with honey syrup. Baklava, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, is a delightful treat to enjoy while contemplating the sweetness of Rumi’s verses.
81. Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi): Whip up a flavorful Persian herb frittata packed with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill. This savory dish is a celebration of springtime flavors and pairs perfectly with Rumi’s themes of renewal and growth.
82. Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Walnut Stew): Simmer tender chicken or lamb in a rich and tangy pomegranate walnut sauce for a traditional Persian dish known as Fesenjan. The sweet and savory flavors of this stew evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, mirroring the sentiments found in Rumi’s poetry.
83. Mast-o-Khiar (Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip): Cool off with a refreshing Mast-o-Khiar, a Persian yogurt and cucumber dip flavored with mint and garlic. This creamy accompaniment is a delightful addition to any Rumi-inspired feast, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
84. Turkish Lamb Kebabs: Fire up the grill and prepare succulent Turkish lamb kebabs marinated in aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. These juicy skewers pay homage to the flavors of the Middle East and are sure to satisfy your appetite as you celebrate Rumi Poetry Day.
85. Rosewater Lemonade: Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of Rosewater Lemonade, infused with the delicate floral flavors of rose petals. This fragrant beverage is a delightful way to sip and savor the essence of Rumi’s poetry.
86. Persian Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani Sonnati): Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Persian Saffron Ice Cream, a creamy and aromatic treat infused with saffron, rosewater, and pistachios. This exotic dessert is a delightful way to cool down while honoring Rumi’s cultural heritage.
87. Muhammara (Syrian Red Pepper Dip): Whip up a batch of Muhammara, a vibrant Syrian dip made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. This zesty spread is bursting with flavor and pairs beautifully with fresh bread or crudites.
88. Persian Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma): Roll tender grape leaves around a savory filling of rice, herbs, and spices to create Persian Stuffed Grape Leaves, also known as Dolma. These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing and symbolize the abundance of nature celebrated in Rumi’s poetry.
89. Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası): Warm up with a comforting bowl of Turkish Lentil Soup, a hearty and nutritious dish made with red lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This soul-soothing soup is a tribute to the simple pleasures of life celebrated in Rumi’s verses.
90. Falafel: Fry up crispy and flavorful Falafel patties made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices. These Middle Eastern delights are perfect for stuffing into pita bread or enjoying on their own with tahini sauce, showcasing the diverse flavors of the region.
91. Persian Chicken Kebabs (Joojeh Kebab): Grill juicy and tender Persian Chicken Kebabs marinated in a blend of yogurt, saffron, and lemon juice. These aromatic skewers are bursting with flavor and are a fitting tribute to Rumi’s Turkish roots.
92. Turkish Delight Thumbprint Cookies: Bake delicate Thumbprint Cookies filled with Turkish Delight for a sweet and festive treat. These buttery cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the exotic flavors of the Middle East while celebrating Rumi Poetry Day.
93. Shirazi Salad: Toss together a refreshing Shirazi Salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, dressed in a simple vinaigrette. This vibrant salad is a perfect accompaniment to any Rumi-inspired meal, providing a burst of freshness and flavor.
94. Persian Lamb Stew (Abgoosht): Slow-cook tender lamb with chickpeas, potatoes, and dried limes to create a comforting Persian Lamb Stew known as Abgoosht. This hearty dish is a celebration of traditional Persian flavors and is sure to warm your heart as you reflect on Rumi’s timeless wisdom.
95. Turkish Spinach and Feta Borek: Bake golden and crispy Spinach and Feta Borek pastries filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. These delightful parcels are perfect for snacking on while immersing yourself in Rumi’s poetry.
96. Persian Walnut Cookies (Nan-e Gerdui): Bake delicate and buttery Persian Walnut Cookies infused with cardamom and rosewater. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a delightful way to end a Rumi-inspired feast, offering a taste of Persian hospitality and warmth.
97. Turkish Eggplant Dip (Baba Ghanoush): Whip up a creamy and smoky Baba Ghanoush dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. This versatile dip is perfect for spreading on bread or dipping vegetables, providing a burst of flavor with each bite.
98. Persian Herb Rice (Sabzi Polo): Cook aromatic Persian Herb Rice flavored with a mixture of fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley. This fragrant dish is a staple of Persian cuisine and is often served during festive occasions, making it a fitting choice for Rumi Poetry Day celebrations.
99. Turkish Apricot and Almond Baklava: Put a twist on traditional baklava by incorporating dried apricots and almonds into the filling. These sweet and nutty pastries are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the Middle East while honoring Rumi’s cultural heritage.
100. Saffron Milk Pudding (Sholeh Zard): Indulge in a creamy and aromatic Saffron Milk Pudding flavored with saffron, rosewater, and cardamom. This luxurious dessert is a beloved Persian delicacy and is a fitting way to conclude a Rumi-inspired feast with sweetness and grace.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Rumi Poetry Day?  Please share them!