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Building the Garden of Ridvan |
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To create a spiritual atmosphere and the sensation of being transported into sacred space, we tried to incorporate all five senses. The blue paint used on the gate and bench was a gift from a local Baha'i who brought a color swatch home from the real Garden of Ridvan, north of Akka, in the Holy Land. |
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Painted foam-core gate, with duct-tape hinges, was installed in the doorway. Poster explains Festival of Ridvan. |
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Baha'u'llah's bench, with painted foam-core back, holds a rose, a candle and set of prayer beads. |
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Floor tiles and pebbles create garden paths. Rose petals float in water fountain. |
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Carloads of plants were carried in. Persian fabrics were borrowed from local Baha'is. |
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Flowers add color and prayer books create an atmosphere of reverence. |
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Visitors can sit on small stools made from milk crates covered with fabric and Persian cushions. |
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Dried fruits, nuts and Persian sweets are offered and a Persian tea set is dispayed. |
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Visitors receive a small gift--a mini prayer book--and are invited to spritz themselves with rose water. |
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