High Tea Ridván Celebration...

The 9th day of Ridván 2008
was celebrated by members of the Fremantle Baha'i
Community, family and invited guests
in a beautiful rose garden in Samson, Western Australia.

The finery of the British High Tea ceremony
was chosen as a way of sharing, educating
and socialising with friends
and family from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The occasion was blessed with warm autumn sun light filling
the hosts back yard with beautiful light amongst rose bushes
and Australian native trees.

When the tablet of Ridván,
written by Bahá'u'lláh was read out loud
accompanied with bird songs and water features
trickling in the background
the surrounding air was filled
with warmth and joy.

Cucumber and pate sandwich bits
with their crusts removed as well
as a wide selection of breads and biscuits were enjoyed by all.

The selection of cakes and finger food
was outstanding with home baked scones
wrapped in a hand embroided cloth,
pastries filled with exotic creams and mixtures
of many colours and flavour's
to cream and strawberry jam sponge cake.

There was a selection of fine teas available
all brewed to perfection sitting in a selection of tea pots
even with some covered in hand knitted tea pot cosies.

Each tea pot had its own name tag so guests
could make informed choices
on which tea they chose to pour
into fine china antique tea cups with matching saucers.

Some of the teas available were
Dragon Moon, Ginger tea,
and my favorite Earl Grey.
There was not a tea bag, mug or coffee in sight.

During the days proceedings a special
"Tea Cup Raising" ceremony was carried out
by all attendants in honour and memory
of their most beloved British tea drinking gentleman friend,
Anthony Temple, who had only recently
past to the Abha kingdom.

Guests and family were invited to come dressed
for the occasion in semi formal attire
to fit the finery of the past British Empire cultural history.

Ladies were encouraged to wear frocks,
hats or gloves and Gentlemen
where encouraged to wear suits, bow ties or hats.