Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Traditional customs - What is the specific etiquette of authentic traditional afternoon tea in Britain?

What is the specific etiquette of authentic traditional afternoon tea in Britain?

In Britain, which is famous for its strict etiquette requirements, afternoon tea has gradually produced various etiquette requirements and habits. Today, the etiquette of afternoon tea has been simplified a lot, but there are still some traditions that must be maintained and followed:

The most orthodox time for afternoon tea is four o'clock in the afternoon, which is also commonly known as high tea.

Generally speaking, the characteristics of afternoon tea are Qimen black tea, Ceylon black tea and Earl black tea. If you drink milk tea, you should add milk first and then tea.

Afternoon tea is a comprehensive art, simple but not shabby, gorgeous but not vulgar, which needs to be matched with exquisite porcelain tea sets.

The snacks of orthodox English afternoon tea are packed in three layers of porcelain plates: the first layer is sandwiches, the second layer is traditional English dim sum scones, and the third layer is cakes and fruit towers. Remember to taste tea from bottom to top, which follows the law of light and heavy taste and salty and sweet. Among them, Scone's eating method is to apply jam first, then cream, take one bite and then apply the next.

Traditional English afternoon tea is a social activity second only to dinner, and it pays great attention to posture. Gently hold the teacup. In traditional etiquette, you must hold the handle with your thumb and forefinger, and don't put your finger into the cup ring. Try not to cling to your body or completely hide your wrist. This gesture means that you are closing yourself off, which is very impolite.

When others speak, look at each other tenderly, which shows that you care. The cell phone rang. If the other person has something to say, it's right in the middle. You can't interrupt rudely. Say sorry to the other person and answer it. In fact, these are also the etiquette that needs to be followed in other occasions.

In fact, afternoon tea is also a British culture. Most English people will make a pot of good tea at home, offer exquisite melons and fruits, have a heart-to-heart talk with friends in the yard or by the window, and relax in the warm sunshine for a while. Following the tradition of afternoon tea can help you integrate into British culture.