Afternoon Tea
The warm weather may look perfect for outdoor exercise. But for those who are not that sporty, what could be nicer than having a relaxing afternoon tea with a few good friends and taking a break from working?
The concept (概念) of "afternoon tea" first appeared in the UK in the mid-19th century. It was introduced to England by Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. The evening meal in her household was normally served fashionably late at 8 p. m., but she felt hungry at 4 p. m. every day ,so she started asking for a tea tray with: butter, bread and cakes at that time. Several days later, she found her new habit difficult to break and soon invited her friends to join her. This pause (间歇) for teal quickly became a fashionable social event. During the 1880s, the upper-class ladies would even change into long dress, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea.
Traditional afternoon tea is a small meal which is normally served from 4 p. m.to6 p.m. once a day. It uses a three- tiered serving tray. The trays carry a variety of foods, such as finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and fruit jam, cakes and pastries. Of course, tea or coffee, served with milk and sugar, is also provided.
Traditional afternoon tea is a dainty (讲究的) meal. Therefore, the order of enjoying the food is from the bottom to the top and from salty to sweet. Sandwiches are eaten first, followed by scones, then sweet snacks like cakes and pastries. When drinking the tea, people taste slowly rather than "glugging" it down. It's also a social activity. As you can see the scene in the TV play- Downton Abbey , ladies wear pretty clothing, men are dressed neatly and the waiters are well trained and polite.
Nowadays, you can enjoy a traditional fancy afternoon tea in many restaurants and hotels. It is also enjoyed to celebrate a special event such as a birthday, a pre-wedding or a baby shower party with a group of friends. So far, afternoon tea activities have become far beyond friends getting together and eating. It has been a part of the traditional culture as well as a fashion for the British.
