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Tea

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I lift my cup of tea to salute the wonderful world of tea drinking. Tea has been a part of world history for centuries and though probably less popular than coffee, still a beverage that embraces rich traditions and culture. I was once an avid coffee drinker, but due to health concerns went cold turkey into tea drinking and have been enjoying it ever since. Not only have I taken to the beverage, but I've also become fascinated with the culture and tools that surround this beverage. By choosing coffee over tea we have lost not only the goodness of the beverage, but also the important rituals that involve the preparing and serving of tea, and what that ritual can bring to our bodies and souls.

The Japanese have had tea since the 9th century and to this day continue to perform ritualistic tea ceremonies. For them it is a time to refresh themselves and experience
tranquility. The English have afternoon tea with small sandwiches to tide them over until the evening meal. Conversation can center on the latest gossip or the important issue of the day. It is a "time out" from the work of the day and a time of refreshment. By incorporating the finest china and tableware and observing proper etiquette, the English have given the afternoon tea a prominent place in their culture and daily life.

Ever heard of a coffee party, a social gathering where everyone sits around drinking their expensive, souped up coffees? Rather remember when as a child you or your sister would prepare a tea party and call mom, dad or your siblings to join you at the tea table with your dollies for tea? Pretend cakes and tea were served and everyone had a good time visiting and catching up with what the others were doing. It was a time to be together; a time to stop whatever you were doing and come together to enjoy refreshment and conversation. Tea parties for adults are held today, sometimes as fundraisers by nonprofit groups or women's clubs or by tea shoppes to educate customers. Different types of teas are presented, discussed and enjoyed. For those in America, these are great introductions to the world of tea, its rituals and culture.

The reading of tea leaves is probably not practiced much anymore, but would provide a little entertainment at tea parties. Of course, it had to be done properly so that the
reading was accurate. Different shapes presented themselves in the bottoms of the cups and each shape had a particular meaning. Have you tried reading your coffee grounds lately?

The steeping of the tea bags or leaves, whether for a single cup or a teapot, takes time; it cannot be rushed. Most teapots serve more than one and invite company for refreshment, conversation and "time out" from busy schedules. If alone it takes several cups to empty the pot allowing plenty of time to sit and reflect, read or write.

If our country were to take up afternoon tea, perhaps we would be a little less frazzled and tired at the end of the day. Not only would the tea itself provide health benefits, but the preparation and serving would also provide us with refreshment for our souls. The joy of sharing a pot with another, allowing time for conversation - no cell phones please - would remove us from our self-serving activities for a time and let us once more experience tranquility and face-to-face communication with friends and family.

Learn more about this author, Judith Richards.
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