Etiquette and British Tea Traditions Decoding: High Tea, Low Tea, Afternoon Tea, and Tea

Tea culture has long been a cherished tradition around the world for many, with tea being the most consumed beverage after water. However, the terms "high tea," "low tea," "afternoon tea," and simply "tea," coined in the UK, often cause confusion for many. Let's unravel the distinctions between these gatherings to help you plan or attend your next tea party with confidence and understanding. This is tea etiquette after all.

Both high tea and afternoon tea share the afternoon setting, but the key difference lies in the timing. Afternoon tea, synonymous with low tea, graces tables around 4 pm in the UK (typically between 3 to 5 pm). High tea, on the other hand, makes its appearance later, usually between 5 and 7 pm.

Afternoon tea or low tea

Origins reveal another intriguing facet. Afternoon tea originated among the upper class, established by Lady Anna, Duchess of Bedford, embracing a more formal ambiance. High tea, with roots in the working class, exudes a more robust and down-to-earth atmosphere.

Culinary offerings show yet another contrast. Afternoon tea unveils an array of delicate pastries, dainty sandwiches, scones, and cakes. High tea steps up with heartier fare—think meat, potatoes, and vegetables—designed to satiate after a day of toil.

High tea

The names themselves offer subtle clues to the traditions. Afternoon tea, or "low tea," was traditionally enjoyed at a low table, evoking images of cozy gatherings by a fireside or in a garden. High tea, aptly named for its elevation, finds its place at a higher surface like a dining table or counter, a fitting end to the workday.

As laughter and conversation flow, hosting a tea party becomes a charming endeavour. However, understanding the distinction between afternoon tea and high tea is essential to avoid a faux pas.

Afternoon tea dazzles with dainty scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes, best enjoyed in the mid-afternoon. High tea, on the other hand, presents a heartier spread featuring meats, fish, eggs, breads, and desserts, akin to a light supper complemented by tea.

Tea as evening meal

The evening meal is sometimes referred to as “tea” in the UK, whether it includes tea or not. This is a light dinner and an everyday affair. The origin of this common expression lies in the concept of high tea and its interpretation by the working class.

Keep these differences in mind. While the terms may be used casually by some, the distinctions are striking. As you contemplate hosting a tea gathering, all types of tea parties provide a delightful way to savour teatime and entertain your guests, promising charming moments, culinary delights, and the option of a tea leaf reading with me.

After all, a well-planned tea party is a perfect occasion for tea leaf reading, laughter, conversation, and the joy of shared moments—a testament to the enduring charm of tea.

Etiquette and British Tea Traditions Decoding: High Tea, Low Tea, Afternoon Tea, and Tea

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What is herbal tea?

Herbal tea, or tisane, strictly speaking, is not a ‘tea’ at all.

Technically, a true tea must contain Camellia Sinensis, the evergreen plant from where all true tea varieties come from, from white to black, from Pu’er to Oolong.

Herbal tea, tisane, botanical, or herbal infusions can contain anything herbal but the Camellia Sinensis plant.

The name tisane comes from the Ancient Greek ptisánē, meaning peeled barley, or what we would call pearl barley today. There was the practice of drinking something similar to our barley water for good health and enjoyment.

Previous to that, herbal teas were equally drunk in ancient China and Egypt and various documents refer to this therapeutic practice. This continues to this day if you make use of Ayurvedic medicine from India or Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Middle English, the word meant a medicinal drink of some sort. It was only in the last century, that the word tisane acquired the modern meaning of herbal tea or infusion.

The vast majority of tisanes do not contain the caffeine compound, so they can be safely consumed before bed or by people sensitive to such stimulants. If that is your case, always check the ingredients of your decoction, avoid cocoa or guarana for instance.

Herbal teas can be consumed hot or cold and be added to other recipes.

Tisanes can be typically divided into six major groups, named after the part of the plant they come from: bark, roots, flowers, leaves, fruit or berry, seeds, or spice.

Let’s take a closer look:

• Roots, such as ginger, liquorice, chicory, dandelion, burdock, echinacea, turmeric, sarsaparilla

• Bark, such as cinnamon, slippery elm, willow, pau d’arco, wild cherry

• Flowers, such as chamomile, lavender, hibiscus, rose, elderflower, red clover

• Leaves, such as rooibos, mint, verbena, lemongrass, nettle, sage, thyme, tulsi, moringa

• Fruit or berry, such as rose hips, citrus peel, strawberry, blueberry, elderberries, raspberries, apple, peach

• Seeds or spice, such as cardamon, caraway, fennel
  

Extras, and less common, are:

• Mushroom teas, such as chaga, reishi, cordyceps, maitake, lion’s mane

• Moss or lichen teas, such as oakmoss, usnea or beard moss, Iceland moss

Since time immemorial, tisanes have been used for health, wellbeing, and longevity thanks to their medicinal properties.

Here are some examples:

• Calming (chamomile, lavender, verbena)

• Detoxifying (ginger, liquorice root, dandelion)

• Cold-busting (often a mix with lemon verbena, cinnamon, elderflower)

• Anti-inflammatory (blueberry, turmeric, cranberry)

• Digestion (hibiscus, fennel, cardamom)

• Beautifying (bamboo leaf, rose petals, lime flower)

On top of their fragrant smell and delicious taste, the colours also play a part in helping through our senses. No wonder, so many people drink them just for pleasure and to top up their antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients.

I do read tea leaves and herbal teas equally. Get in touch to book your afternoon tea or tea party.

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Earth's Energy: points and pathways

It is widely experienced, especially by native communities, and understood that our planet is alive, not only on the surface with visible growth but also inside its core.

Earth, Gaia, Terra, Tellus, is our precious planet. The living being we inhabit, a source of energy in its own rights, is placed at an amazing juncture on the galactic net.

Its energy body has points and paths of energy, just like our own body has chakras and meridians.

Connecting to nature and regularly grounding is essential to our own wellbeing. In fact, the quality of our connection impacts directly our health.

Further, tuning into the planet chakras can enhance and open up new ways of being for us, from healing to discerning new energy levels.

How to connect to the Earth’s energy?

Wherever you are, the first thing to do is follow your instinct to go to or stop at certain locations.

To connect to the frequencies tune in to the place, or look at pictures of it, and meditate, fully focusing on your intention of being present and ‘in tune’.

A map akin to a body diagram of the world chakras (ley lines, grids, portals, vortices, etc) has been designed, identifying areas of very high energy. Starting from the

Root or Base Chakra

Location: Mount Shasta, California

This area is understood to be the interface between body, mind, and spirit. Mount Shasta is recognised as an electrically charged place. It represents creative power at its best.

Sacral Chakra

Location: Lake Titicaca shared by Bolivia and Peru

The area is highly charged with the presence of Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Iquitos, Aramu Muru (Gate of the Gods), Tiwanaku nearby.

Two major ley lines intersect at Lake Titicaca, the male and female Great Dragon lines, also known as the feathered serpent (male) and rainbow serpent (female/androgynous).

Solar Plexus Chakra

Location: Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory, Australia

This area is still sacred to the Aboriginals and it is a source of insight, memory, and learning.

It represents personal power, vitality, stillness, and harmony.

Heart Chakra

Location: Glastonbury/Shaftesbury/Stonehenge, UK

The bridge chakra balancing spiritual and physical, mind and feelings, upper and lower, etc.

Stonehenge is the highest charged of these places. All these locations have a highly regarded magical reputation, through times and civilizations.

Throat Chakra

Location: The Great Pyramids, Egypt, or Mount Sinai, Egypt/Mount of Olives, Israel

The throat chakra is one of the largest energy centres on Earth. It stands for communication, the voice of our planet, self-expression, a portal to other dimensions.

It is the only energy centre not connected to the two major ley lines, the male and female Great Dragon lines.

Third Eye Chakra

Location: Western Europe (in transit to reach Brazil around 3500CE)

It is understood that this chakra does not have a fixed location and moves according to the Earth’s rotation and eons described through astrological ages. In the current Age of Aquarius, the Third Eye chakra is believed to be located in Western Europe near Stonehenge in England. With the following Age of Capricorn, the chakra is believed to be moving to Brazil.

Crown Chakra

Location: Mount Kailash, Tibet

Oneness and unity. Connected to the concept of death and rebirth,

the Scorpio Full Moon (around the end of April-beginning of May) is apparently linked to the energy of Mount Kailash. This Full Moon marks the beginning of a new cycle, transformation and change, deep emotional experiences.

There are many other high-energy points around the world. For instance:

Mount Fuji in Japan

Tulum in Mexico

Maui in Hawaii

Kiev in Ukraine

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Easter Island or Rapa Nui, Chile

Cape Town in South Africa

Lake Taupo in New Zealand

Bali in Indonesia

Sedona in Arizona

Which place will you connect with first?

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