The English Tradition of Afternoon Tea

    Free word association: when one thinks "British" the term "tea" usually follows. This is not surprising, as British characters in movies, books, and TV shows are often depicted circled together drinking tea, or offering tea to another as a cure for any ill. But, the British relationship tea is not as old as one might think- in fact, England was not the first of the European countries to take a liking to the foreign import. However, the traditions of High Tea and Afternoon Tea are a uniquely British creation.

   Tea was introduced to England in the 17th century, and became popular in the 18th century when Queen Anne chose tea over ale as her breakfast beverage of choice. In those days, people ate two meals a day: breakfast in the morning and a late dinner served at 8pm. The tradition of Afternoon Tea began in the middle of the 18th century when the Duchess of Bedford found she had a "sinking feeling" in the afternoon because of the long gap between the two meals. She began having tea with a light snack in the afternoon, and after a time began inviting friends to join her.
    Afternoon Tea quickly became a fixture of upper-class society. Such a luxury, taking a break for tea and snacks in the middle of the day, was not available to the middle- and working-classes. They worked until 6pm daily. By the time they came home, they were famished, and a meal of tiny sandwiches and cakes would not be enough. Members of the lower classes would eat a large meal upon returning home, with such food as bread, vegetables, cheese, and meat. They 'took'  tea with this meal, served at a high dinner table, which is how the term "high tea" came to be. Thus, Afternoon Tea and High Tea, though now often used synonymously, have quite different origins.
    The tea party with the March Hare, Dormouse, and Mad Hatter at which Alice finds herself is served at six o'clock, indicating that it is the sort of High Tea of the lower classes.
   The foods served at Afternoon Tea may include small sandwiches cut into fingers- sliced cucumber, egg salad, and smoked salmon with cream cheese being among the selection- a variety of cakes and pastries, and scones with jam and clotted cream. A variety of teas is served, the most popular being Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Lapsang Souchong.