British tea culture
British Tea Culture
The British Tea Culture (pronunciation: /ˈbrɪtɪʃ tiː ˈkʌltʃər/) refers to the practice of drinking tea in the United Kingdom. It is a prominent aspect of British culture and has historical roots dating back to the 17th century.
Etymology
The term "British Tea Culture" is a combination of the words "British", referring to the people of the United Kingdom, "Tea", a popular beverage, and "Culture", which denotes the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.
History
The practice of drinking tea was introduced to Britain in the 17th century by Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of Charles II of England. It quickly became popular among the aristocracy and gradually spread to all classes of society. The British tea culture is characterized by the consumption of black tea, often served with milk and accompanied by a variety of snacks or meals, known as "tea time".
Related Terms
- Tea Time: A meal or snack taken in the afternoon or early evening, typically consisting of a cup of tea and sandwiches or cakes.
- High Tea: A meal eaten in the late afternoon or early evening, typically consisting of a cooked dish, bread and butter, and tea.
- Afternoon Tea: A light meal typically eaten between 3.30 pm and 5 pm. It customarily includes scones with clotted cream and jam, sandwiches, sweet pastries and cakes.
See Also
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