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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Feeling Earth's Energy

Energy. Perhaps something you would like more of?

We require energy to live and function. We are not the only ones: everything requires energy.

How about our planet Gaia or the Earth?

Most of the energy comes from the Sun, and the rest comes from internal heating.

In short, energy is the power to do or produce change, know something and elaborate. It is a necessary and very basic block to getting started with anything.

Interestingly, potential energy is energy that is stored, it can be accessed anytime and used later. That is the type of energy we want to tap into as it is often charged with data.

It is said that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only transmuted.

So, how can we start connecting and feeling the link with the Earth? And get more energetic?

Nothing could be simpler and I am sure you are already doing it:

• Be fully present;

• Feel connected to the Earth through your body;

• Follow your instinct.

Let me give you six ideas to explore more mindfully this life-supportive practice:

1) The easiest and most obvious idea is staying out in the sun. Enjoying natural sunlight, without excessive sun exposure, has many benefits for our body, not only it re-energizes us but also provides vitamin D, boosts the feel-good hormone serotonin, relieves stress, and many more.

2) Walking barefoot on the Earth is healing, grounding, reduces stress and inflammation, and will help increase our sensitivity. You will learn to experience the electromagnetic energy the Earth emits and be more in tune with it easily.

3) Rolling around on the Earth is a feel-good and fun activity to do. This will ground you and at the same time discharge negative energy. In short, this is not only playing, but it does help the physical body get rid of unhealthy energies.

4) Having fresh flowers and/or grow plants, both outside and indoor, to have Nature close by. Tending the garden is a wonderful and refreshing experience. Creating a window box is also exciting. Not to mention how lovely it is to receive a bouquet of flowers.

Watching a plant grow and bloom is akin to feeling like a proud parent.

5) If you have the chance, watching the wildlife in your area, safely, is also a great way to connect with Nature. Simply being present and paying attention to the needs and life rhythms of a squirrel, for instance, can renew purpose and relieve stress.

Studies proved that even watching wildlife documentaries produce the same effect.

6) Tree hugging or sitting against the trunk of a tree, are wonderful ways to slow down and connect deeply with our planet. Take your time to feel the tree and how it welcomes you. To fully benefit, you will need to spend more time with the tree as their life energy is ‘slower’ than ours.

When dealing with Gaia treat her like a good friend - showing love, respect, and care - and she will do likewise. Her wellbeing is closely related to ours.

#FridaywithFreya #blog #EarthEnergy #energy #Earth #Gaia #dowsing #divining #dowser #diviner