Enjoying a cup of Traditional English Tea
Enjoying a cup of Traditional English Tea
Whether you are savoring a cup of tea at high tea or afternoon tea, English tea will be
an incredibly delicious addition to any party, special occasions and even the party
itself. Some people believe these two occasions are one in the same, but the fact
remains, high tea and afternoon tea are definitely not the same and stem from
completely different origins altogether.

This article will explain the differences between each traditional English tea ceremony.
They will be thoroughly outlined and discussed in regards to their origin, traditions,
typical time of occasion and original purposes.

Afternoon Tea

The tradition of the English tea ceremony runs to nineteenth century England and was
started by the Duchess of Bedford. The occasions in which it was first introduced
began as a type of snack time between when lunch had passed but dinner still seemed
a long way off, and there was a need for something in between.

The array of tea was usually served with miniature meals of breads and butter, and if it
would not have been for this afternoon meal, the Duchess and her high society lady
friends would have had to wait until after dark until their next meal and this little feast
filled that hungry void in between. Since then, and now to this day, the afternoon English
tea ceremony has truly progressed into including many more foods; scones and other
pastries, but the timing of the occasion has steadfastly remained much the same.
High Tea

The occasion of high tea is often referred to as the same event as the afternoon
English tea ceremony, however this could not be farther from the truth. They are totally
different indeed. Perhaps the term High Tea sounds more proper, but this traditional
English tea ceremony is actually the one practiced and was originated by the
commoners in nineteenth century England.

Afternoon tea was already being practiced by High Society, but the poorer people also
needed a tradition to surround their tea time. But instead of an earlier tea time,  their
tea time occured closer to dinner time or even in place of dinner. Such was the actual
origin of the ceremony.

This English tea tradition was partially established in order to take the place of a
normal meal and replace it with an occasional celebration and enjoyment of tea.  Unlike
the afternoon tea of the rich, High Tea took place around dusk and included much more
filling foods like meats, eggs, cheeses and the like.  Also, both sexes were included in
this meal, unlike the afternoon tea ceremony.
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