The Birth of the Bab http://www.bahai.us/Birth_of_the_Bab  on Oct. 20
commemorates the 1819 birth in Shiraz, Persia, of Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad, who
later took the title "the Bab," meaning "the Gate." The Bab was the herald
who prepared the way for Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith.  He
called on people to purify themselves for the coming day of God.