Tea - Everything stops for Tea

Every nation in creation has its favourite drink
France is famous for its wine, it's beer in Germany
Turkey has its coffee and they serve it blacker than ink
Russians go for vodka and England loves its tea


Oh, a lawyer in the courtroom
In the middle of an alimony plea
Has to stop and help 'em pour when the clock strikes four
Everything stops for tea


There is no quintessential ritual and ceremony in Britain than serving a tea.  It is so evident from this song (listen to the lyrics) that it is a part and parcel of their life. So how did this drink become the Brit & Irish's national drink ? Tea was imported to Europe by the Portuguese and the Dutch in the 17th century. But the actual tea custom that is world popular, "Afternoon Tea" came into practice in the early 19th century. It all started with a lovely Duchess princess Anaa in the early 19th century. It seems that the princess was not able to withstand her hunger until dinner which was usually served between 8 & 9 Pm. So to starve off hunger and bridge the gap between her meals, she used to ask the maids to prepare tea and cakes and breads and enjoy them in her boudoir. Later on, she invited her friends to her home to enjoy this simple feast. She followed this even when she returned to London. This was loved by everyone and it caught on like wild fire throughout.

Courtesy Afternoon Tea

This was a very entertaining routine for dilly dallying and ideal for housewives to indulge in gossips with a warm cup and goodies. Who would say no to that ? Slowly as years passed, at home indulgence spread outside and tea rooms and tea garden became more popular. Tea rooms are small restaurants that serve tea and light refreshments. It became a mark of social culture and a fashionable statement for the high class and was practised at every rich household. The now common tea was once a luxurious item. Traditionally, tea pots and tea accessories were passed down generations. It was treasured. It was something that only the higher hierarchy of the society could enjoy.

Courtesy Afternoon Tea

               
But for the working class, the luxury of enjoying a long relaxing sip in between the work hours is just not possible. So High tea was served instead. After work, people had a  early dinner, in the present day terms supper.  A light meal accompanied with lashing of tea serving was enjoyed late in the evening.

Courtesy Afternoon Tea

It was called the High tea because it was served at table as opposed to the Afternoon tea that was served in the sitting room in comfortable sofas and chairs. The tradition seems dated and quaint today, but its relevance as an aspect of popular culture is an important part of why it became a traditional part of drinking tea.  But now in the rest of the world the traditional English tea is called as High tea and even the restaurants in London advertise as High Tea to attract the tourists.