The 131st Lily Dale summer season started this weekend and one of the signature kick-off events of opening day is the Silver Tea.
Long ago, glorious Victorian ladies and gentlemen would gather for a respendlent tea, complete with real silver tea service and scrumptious goodies. Neighbors, friends, and visitors would enjoy greeting each other after the long winter months at this Opening Day celebration.
Here at Lily Dale, we continue the tradition. We no longer use a silver tea service, however fun, fellowship, and enjoyment of an array of yummy goodies pervail.
Some people dress up, wear pearls, hats, and other finery in memoriam of days gone by. Others wear street clothes, jeans, and shorts in style with today's fashions.
This year....we found ourselves sitting with a group visiting from Ohio. They were friendly and an easy repoire developed. We also mingled with some of our friends and neighbors, exchanging pleasantries and commenting on the lovely update to the Auditorium platform. When the visiting Buddhist Monks arrived, they joined their voices in sacred song to celebrate the event.
Every now and then during the evening, I could sense people from a bygone age celebrating with us --- Victorian ladies in gorgeous hats, men impeccably dressed, and other spirit visitors --- at our sides as we discussed the spiritual journeys that led us to Lily Dale, God, spirit contact, healing, and Spiritualism. This is where history and the events of today blend. The same beautiful tradition, power, and intention of gathering on opening day at the Silver Tea remains.
Long ago, glorious Victorian ladies and gentlemen would gather for a respendlent tea, complete with real silver tea service and scrumptious goodies. Neighbors, friends, and visitors would enjoy greeting each other after the long winter months at this Opening Day celebration.
Here at Lily Dale, we continue the tradition. We no longer use a silver tea service, however fun, fellowship, and enjoyment of an array of yummy goodies pervail.
Some people dress up, wear pearls, hats, and other finery in memoriam of days gone by. Others wear street clothes, jeans, and shorts in style with today's fashions.
This year....we found ourselves sitting with a group visiting from Ohio. They were friendly and an easy repoire developed. We also mingled with some of our friends and neighbors, exchanging pleasantries and commenting on the lovely update to the Auditorium platform. When the visiting Buddhist Monks arrived, they joined their voices in sacred song to celebrate the event.
Every now and then during the evening, I could sense people from a bygone age celebrating with us --- Victorian ladies in gorgeous hats, men impeccably dressed, and other spirit visitors --- at our sides as we discussed the spiritual journeys that led us to Lily Dale, God, spirit contact, healing, and Spiritualism. This is where history and the events of today blend. The same beautiful tradition, power, and intention of gathering on opening day at the Silver Tea remains.
Comments