Thai and Chinese (Simple Cookery S.)

The impact of tea on the social and cultural life of the people is tremendous. Tea is the most favored drink in social gatherings, wedding parties and various cultural activities. The concept of "tea time" has been symbolized with friendly chats or gossip where friends and peers meet to discuss on various topics in their leisure hours. It is a welcome break amidst the tight work schedule of people.

How did the concept of tea time evolve?

History traces back tea time into the Victorian era. One of Queen Victoria's lady-in-waiting, The Duchess of Bedford is credited for this tradition. It was during that time that time that the British adopted "High Tea". High tea meant tea that was served on a high dinner table at about six o' clock in the evening. It was a heavy meal as tea was accompanied by cakes, and other assorted meals. Lunch had become a small meal in the English diet. The Duchess of Bedford started to feel dizzy due to skimpy lunch taken at about 12. So, she adopted the European policy to have one more tea break in the afternoon at about 4. she invited her friends and associates to join her in this afternoon tea session. Here the tea was accompanied by bread and butter and other light meals. This tea break became very popular among her group and she found it so good that when she went back to England she formally gave invitations to all her friends to join her in an afternoon tea session. Gradually, this afternoon tea became a popular phenomenon and people all over England adopted it, and the name tea time came into existence.

Tea time- impact on social life

Tea time has a profound impact on social life of the people. The concept of afternoon tea became so popular that it gradually got acceptance in al the civilized societies, the world over. One of the popular tea parties organized by homemakers as a way of getting together is known as the Kitty Party. Kitty party is a very important social phenomenon now among the ladies of a society. It essentially means friends and peers of the same social and economic strata come together for a tea time in the afternoon and the evenings over a cup of tea, some light snacks to go along with and talk on various matters. It is a very good way for these homemakers to venture out of their boring life of managing the household and cooking. The popular term "gossip" forms a big part in these parties.

The World of Tea is rich with tradition and history, learn more about the history of tea.