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UNITED KINGDOM Royal Valentine's Day Tea!
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is most commonly known as the United Kingdom or the UK. The UK is a sovereign, island country which is located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe comprising of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom has a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as a figure head of state, and has a parliamentary demoncracy. The UK was the world's foremost power during the 19th and early 20th century, but the cost of two world wars and the decline of its empire, diminished its leading role in global affairs. Europe Discovers Tea Legend has it that tea was discovered in China over 5,000 years ago. Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung (The Devine Healer), discovered tea in 2737 BC when some tea leaves accidentally blew into a pot of water he was boiling. Upon tasting the beverage, the Emperor is said to have proclaimed, "It was heaven sent". Not until 1564, did the Europeans taste this "heaven sent" beverage! The Portuguese gained the first right of trade with China, and tea was then introduced into Europe. In 1610, the Dutch East India Company brought tea to Holland. When tea first arrived, it was extremely expensive and became a fashionable drink for the wealthy. However, by the year 1675, tea became available to the common folk and was sold in food shops throughout Holland. Between 1652 and 1654, tea first reached Great Britain, where it quickly replaced ale as the national drink of choice. (Lady Michelle roles plays "Anna, Duchess of Bedford") Anna, Duchess of Bedford was the Creator of Afternoon Tea Anna Maria Stanhope married Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford. Thus, Anna, became known as the Duchess of Bedford. Duchess Anna was a life long friend of Queen Victoria and between 1841 and 1847, she served as a Lady of the Bedchamber. Anna, Duchess of Bedford, is best remembered as the creator of the British meal called "afternoon tea". During the 18th century dinner started to be served later and later in the day, until by the mid-1800's, the normal dinner time was between 7:00 and 8:30 PM. An extra meal called luncheon had been created to fill the midday gap between breakfast and dinner, but luncheon was very light. The long afternoon with no refreshments, left many people feeling hungry. Duchess Anna was often complaining of a "sinking feeling" in her stomach around 4:00 in the afternoon. So she began having a late afternoon snack with tea as a solution to her hunger pangs. The Duchess found this to be such a grand idea, that she began inviting her friends to join her for tea and snacks. The "Duchess Teas" or later to be called "Afternoon Tea", quickly became the fashionable rage of England! Women began having elaborate afternoon teas dressing in long gowns, fancy hats and gloves. The practice of afternoon tea became popular among the wealthy and soon spread into all classes of British society. Eventually, afternoon tea became an institution in England! High Tea versus Afternoon Tea  A very common "faux pas" made by the American public, is to confuse "high tea" with "afternoon tea". Historically, "high tea" also known as a "meat tea", was the working class meal of the people in England. The tradition of "high tea" at about 6:00 PM originated when the working class people would come home from working hard all day in the factories and farms, and were very hungry for a full meal. The "high tea" meal consisted of potted meats, fish, cheese, baked bread, vegetables, and desserts like: shortbread, seed cake, almond cakes known as "Maids of Honor" or crumbled cookies named "Fat Rascals", with tea as the beverage. The term "high tea" has reference to the "high" hour of the day and also the fact that this meal was served on "high tables" (like a regular dining or kitchen table) versus a low "coffee type" table that is often associated with afternoon tea. High tea has an elegant sound to it, so it is often mistaken as the tea service with scones, crumpets, petit four cakes, truffles and the like. Therefore, now that we have established "high tea" as the working class meal....we can thank Anna, Duchess of Bedford, for creating "afternoon tea". Afternoon tea is often served in the late afternoon (up to 4:00PM), and consists of lighter fare than a high tea. Traditional afternoon tea foods consist of: scones with lemon curd and Devon Clotted Cream, mini muffins, finger sandwiches such as the traditional cucumber with cream cheese. Finger sandwiches must have the crust cut off and should be small enough for 2 or 3 bites. Desserts such as shortbread, cookies, chocolates, petit four mini cakes, and truffles make afternoon tea delightful! A full afternoon tea often serves the above delicacies on three-tiered trays, and piping hot Earl Grey! Light a few candles, enjoy the delicious savories... and you have an elegant afternoon tea! UNITED KINGDOM: VALENTINE'S DAY TRADITIONS Valentine's Day Tradition in Scotland In Scotland, Valentine's Day is celebrated by having a festival. At the festival there is an equal amount of unmarried (single) men and unmarried (single) women who get together. They each write their name on a piece of paper. The names are put into two hats (one for the men and one for the women). They then have to draw a name out of the hat and that name is to be their Valentine! After this has been done, gifts are given to each other. The ladies would wear the name of their valentine over their heart or on their sleeve. This tradition is said to be the origin of the saying, "You wear your heart on your sleeve". In Scotland, Valentine gifts were given by both parties in the form of a love-token or a true-love-knot. Valentine's Day Tradition in England As part of the Valentine's Day tradition in Britain, it is a trend to pen down love verses in newspapers and magazines. It is also commonplace to exchange gifts of love such as beautifully quoted cards, flowers and chocolates. Valentine's Day Tradition in Wales In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. The custom of giving a love spoon as a token of affection began in the 16th Century. They were given to a romantic interest as a courting gift. A love spoon is an ornately carved spoon traditionally made from a single piece of wood by young men, especially in Wales, as a love token for their sweethears to show their affection and intentions. Welsh sailors spent many long and lonely hours at sea, so they used the time to carve spoons for the girl they had to leave behind at home. Many symbols carved on the spoons had a sailing them. For example: ship = smooth passage through life or a couple embarking on a new life together, knot = everlasting, together forever, anchor = the intention to settle down and get married. The earliest surviving example of a Welsh Lovespoon dates back to 1667. The love spoon originated from the "cawl" (soup) spoon. Over generations, decorative carvings were added to the spoon and it became a treasured decorative item to be hung proudly on the wall. Certain symbols came to have specific meanings: a horseshoe for luck, a cross for faith, bells for marriage, hearts for love, key and keyholes meant "You unlock my heart!" Over time, the tradition of giving a love spoon only to your one true love has changed. Today, love spoons are given as wedding and anniversary gifts, birthday & baby gifts, Christmas gifts and even...souveniers! At Mes Amis Teahouse, at the end of the United Kingdom Tea event, our guests made their own interpretation of a Welsh Love Spoon. Our wooden spoons were not carved, but instead, decorated with jewels and ribbon. Not quite the same amount of workmanship as the Welsh sailors of old, but still a gift of love!
We appreciate the wonderful Valentine's Day and tea traditions that the United Kingdom celebrates!  Lady Alethea & Lady Michelle will see you next month as we "travel" at Mes Amis Teahouse to Ireland for a "cupan tae"! To Register for the Travel The World with Mes Amis Teahouse Friendship Club or to be put on a mailing list to receive information about attending the tea events on a month-to-month basis.... |
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