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A ceremony called teatime
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Tea drinking has a few rules to go with it. Read on to find out
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FOR MILLIONS of people around the globe, the day just doesn't start without sipping a steaming cup of tea.
For centuries, tea drinking has been part of the Asian lifestyle. In fact, there is no other beverage that has reached the exalted status of tea.
Here are some interesting tidbits. Did you know that tea wasn't introduced in England until the 1600s? It was considered to have medicinal properties and was sold mainly in apothecary shops. Did you also know that many churches in Britain opposed tea as a "filthy custom" and people were warned, "Stature of men and beauty in women will be destroyed forever"?
The term `High Tea' is used very often to refer to afternoon tea because people think it sounds sophisticated and lofty, but in actuality, high tea is dinner. During Victorian period, working class families returning home tired and exhausted, sat down to a dinner of foods like meat, bread, butter, potatoes, pickles, cheese and, of course, tea. It was termed "high" tea because it was eaten at the dining table (high) rather than a tea table, which was in the sitting room.
Afternoon tea is also called "low tea" because it was partaken in the sitting room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs. Teatime etiquette has indeed changed over the years. For instance, it was acceptable to pour hot tea into the saucer to cool it before drinking, but today, that would truly be considered a social faux pas.
* The best way to hold a teacup is to slip your index finger through the handle and keeping the ring and pinkie fingers firmly down, pointing toward your wrist.
* When stirring your tea, don't make noises by clinking the sides of the cup. Gently swish the tea back and forth with the spoon, keeping away from the sides of your cup, as much as possible.
* Never leave your spoon sticking out of your cup. Place it on the saucer either behind the cup or on the right hand side under the handle. And of course, it goes without saying, do not take sips from the spoon either. Once you have used your utensils, it is impolite to put them back on the table, so be sure to rest them on the side of your plate.
* If you are standing or you are seated away from a table, you may lift the teacup with the saucer when drinking. If you are seated at a dining table, you may leave the saucer on the table. Don't swirl the tea in the cup.
* Remember that tea is to be sipped, not slurped and not used to wash down a large bite of food. Swallow your food before you sip your tea, which is true for any beverage, for that matter.
* If tea is served buffet style, never put dirty plates, cups or utensils back on the tea table. That goes for your napkin as well. If you must get up before you are finished, place your napkin on your seat and replace it on your lap when you return.
Other teatime pointers - you can drink it `black' (never add anything to Japanese or Chinese style tea) or add a sprinkle of lemon (English custom), sugar cube and/ or Rum (German Custom), or milk (Indian custom). It is better to add milk after you fill up your cup with tea and not vice versa. Too much milk masks the subtle taste of the tea.
If scones are served, you should split the scone with a knife and then spread a dollop of jam first and then top it with cream. The jam and cream should be placed on your plate first and then spread on your scone, not applied directly from the dishes on the tea table.
Afternoon tea is a wonderful, relaxing social affair and a pleasant variation to normal repertoire of entertaining. As you sip the golden brew, you are feeling mellow, charitable and benevolent towards the whole world!
CHITRA DANGER
e- mail: proetique@yahoo.co.in; website: www.proetique.com)
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