Tea Culture: History, Traditions, Celebrations, Recipes & More

My first tea memory is of my Russian-born grandmother sitting at her kitchen table, sipping a glass of hot tea. As I was growing up, I remember my mother chatting with friends in the living room, while eating cookies and sipping tea from bone china cups. My mother so treasured her cup and saucer collection that, for birthdays and other special occasions, my father and I would shop for yet another set for her. I cherish what remains of Mother’s bone china, using it when friends come for special visits.It was not until I went away to college that tea became an essential part of my life. Every afternoon my dormitory housemother would brew a pot of orange and sweet, spice-flavored black tea and open her apartment door, inviting us to stop in for a visit and a cup of tea. The aroma of the tea was so intoxicating that I couldn’t resist taking a few minutes for a cup, almost every day. These regular visits provided me with the opportunity to relax and to build a trusting friendship with my housemother and classmates, who also welcomed the brief respite from academic stress. To this day,I associate this fragrant tea with cozy surroundings and special friendships. I always have a box of it on my tea shelf.Today, tea is a part of my daily routine. I start my workday with a steaming cup of citrus green tea, which I sip slowly as I work at my computer. As my day progresses, I consume several more cups of tea, selecting different types and flavors to suit my mood, the weather, and the time of day. My day ends with an after-dinner cup of herbal infusion or decaffeinated tea. When a friend or associate stops by, the first thing I ask is, “Would you like a cup of tea?” A simple cup of tea sets the stage for a leisurely visit.