Some historians think that the custom of the birthday cake was observed in ancient Greece, and they report that the birthday cake began with the Greeks who used to make honey cakes or bread. Ancient Romans celebrated three different types of birthdays: Private celebrations among family and friends, the birthdays of cities and temples, and the birthdays of past and present emperors or members of the imperial family. The 50th year was celebrated with a honey cake made of wheat flour, grated cheese, honey, and olive oil.

Others contend that the Birthday Cake tradition was started in Germany in the Middle Ages where a sweetened bread dough was made in the shape of the baby Jesus in swaddling clothes and were used to commemorate his birthday. The Birthday Cake later re-emerged in Germany as a kinderfest, or a birthday celebration for a young child.

In England, birthday cakes are baked with symbolic objects inside. In medieval times, objects such as coins and thimbles were mixed into the batter. People believed that the person who got the coin would be wealthy, while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Today, small figures, fake coins and small candies are more common.

Birthday candles originally were placed on cakes to bring birthday wishes up to God. In ancient times, people prayed over the flames of an open fire. They believed that the smoke carried their thoughts up to the gods. Today, we believe, that if you blow out all your candles in one breath, your wish will come true.  For Rose, her wish was realised surrounded by family and friends.

Daughters Julie and Anne with Rose

Son Tim and wife Joan

 

Son Jeff and wife Penny

Trevor Dawe is Rose's favourite pianist, and played at her request during the afternoon.

Rose was about to leave the Timaru RSA in her Morris Mini and is congratulated by Jo Goodhew,  wearing period costume. The MP for Rangitata was guest speaker along with Timaru Mayor Damon Odey and William Rolleston at the celebrations to commemorate 100 years since the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifle Regiment left the Showgrounds in Timaru for World War One in 1914, ago. The event recognised the strategic role played by horses during the war and the strong bonds created between soldiers and their mounts.

Of the 3817 New Zealand horses that served during the war, only four returned home - including Bess. They and the thousands that never returned will be remembered at the Bess Memorial near Bulls on Anzac Day.  First World War Fighting continued until the 11th of November 1918, Armistice Day- the following year on 18 Aug 1919, Rose Pelvin was born at Waimate to parents Roseanna and Arthur.