Tea and cultures in England was famous all over the world. British tea party is a special feature of the social life in Britain in 17th and 18th century. Talk about tea and cultures; we must include the royal family.
Photo courtesy of blmurch
How tea was introduced?
Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess who married King Charles II, introduced tea to England in early 17th century. This new drinking style by the royalties is known to be royal tea. Tea was gradually becoming the popular drink in England, replacing ale as the national drink. By middle of 18th century, tea parties in small gardens became popular. In old movies, middle-class and high-class women would be seen wearing elaborate dresses, matching-color hats, white gloves, with their little umbrella, enjoying tea. Also in 18th century, the famous East Indian Trading Company was established. The company was successful because it was one of the major suppliers of tea in the West.
How tea moved from elites to working people?
By the end of 18th century, tea and cultures in Britain took another turn. Those tea parties in the garden began to lose its place. People started to prefer enjoying tea at home with their close companions. Initially, tea was served at a marked hour during the day. However, new customs were invented especially the Afternoon tea and the High tea.
What is an afternoon tea, high tea, and low tea?
The afternoon tea refers to the tea that is served between lunch and dinner. Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, invented this custom. The tea was served with light snacks like sandwiches or sweet cakes. It is sometimes called the Low tea.
Another invention is the High Tea. It’s sometimes called the Meat tea. In contrast with Afternoon tea, which was more practical to the middle or high-class people, the High tea was a special custom of the working people. High tea was viewed as an equivalent as dinner. It generally includes meats, cheese, bread, and of course, tea.
Many English people offer their family afternoon tea all week. However, the weekend tea can involve more people in the family like cousins, aunts, and uncles…
Afternoon tea is not an elaborate party. This event usually has 7-10 people. People sit down; enjoy the tea, the meal, and the conversations. The foods that are served vary depending on whether the occasion in on weekday or weekend.
On weekday, most of the foods are leftovers of lunch. On weekend, the host also serves bread, salads, eggs, cakes, and deserts. One other tea custom that is quite popular in England as well as in America is Power tea.
Power tea is served in business meetings in late afternoon. Power tea is usually served in decorative China tea sets. Sweet cakes are often served along with the tea.
From royal tea party to modern tea
One other characteristic of the tea party was the tea dance. Initially, tea parties were private social events. By early 20th century, the tea ballroom dances were open to the public. People can buy tickets to enjoy the tea, the cakes, and the music, much like a concert but much more elegant. However, until today, the afternoon tea is still the most popular tea custom in England. Hotels and restaurants everywhere in England prepare their kettles and cups to welcome waves to people coming to enjoy their afternoon tea rituals.
Thanks to many creations of the royal family and tea lovers in England, tea party characteristics are important part in the tea history.