1. Globally, tea is the second most consumed beverage.
2. The history of tea began in China. The ancient Chinese started to grow and brew it around 2732 BC and used it for medicinal purposes.
3. Then, it ventured into Japan. Buddhist monks sent to China returned home with the seeds in 815 AD. Emperor Saga of Japan encouraged the growth of tea plants and is credited with the popularity of tea in that country. Tea was associated with Buddhism and used as a religious drink. Japanese tea ceremonies are still performed to this day.
4. It wasn't until the 1500s that tea made its way into Europe. By way of missionaries to China, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to discover the pleasures of tea. But, it was very expensive, so only the nobility drank it.
5. The Portuguese saw the value of trade in tea and brought it to England, but it didn't take off until 1662. That's when the English King, Charles II, married the Portuguese Princess, Catherine of Braganza. Her fondness for tea caught on in England. So the nobles switched from coffee in the English coffee houses to tea, but at the time only the nobility could afford it.
So that’s a quick history of where tea started and how it reached England. Nows, let's speed up to 1837 which is the start of the Victorian era, which goes to 1901. During this period, most people in England drink tea. Tea was a big drink in Victorian England so since some of my books are Steampunk Romance I thought I'd write about tea time.
6. Once everyone is seated, the hostess pours the tea, filling each guest’s cup. During a Victorian tea party, the spout of the teapot faces the hostess or pourer.
7. A teacup is shallow and wider than a coffee or chocolate cup to give the tea room to temper before drinking.
8.The hostess offers lemons, milk, or sugar for the tea. Milk and lemon are never added to the same cup, as citrus spoils milk. Cream is not offered as it is much too heavy for tea. An infinite variety of tasty sandwiches may be served at tea, sometimes filled with chicken or turkey salad, and cucumber sandwiches are often offered as well. The crust is always trimmed off the bread.
9. Do not extend your pinkie finger when drinking tea, it is rude.
10. When stirring tea, do not clink your spoon against the cup, instead, swish it gently to and fro. After stirring, place the spoon on the saucer behind the teacup. Remove the spoon before drinking your tea. Do not swirl the tea in your cup or you might slosh and stain the tablecloth.
There is specific etiquette for gentlemen attending teas. They must stand when a lady enters or leaves the room, open the door for the ladies, and escort the ladies downstairs to their carriage or cab. One would never expect less of a true gentleman.
Here are two of my Steampunk books that are set in Victorian England.
