Changes

[[File:Tea ceremony.jpg|thumb|right|A man performs a [[tea ceremony]].]]

[[File:Tea ceremony.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A man performs a [[tea ceremony]].]]

'''Tea culture''' is defined by the way [[tea]] is made and consumed, by the way the people interact with tea, and by the aesthetics surrounding tea drinking, it includes aspects of: tea production, tea brewing, tea arts and ceremony, society, history, health, ethics, education, and communication and media issues.

'''Tea culture''' is defined by the way [[tea]] is made and consumed, by the way the people interact with tea, and by the aesthetics surrounding tea drinking, it includes aspects of: tea production, tea brewing, tea arts and ceremony, society, history, health, ethics, education, and communication and media issues.

The British Empire spread its own interpretation of tea to its dominions and colonies including regions that today comprise the states of India, Hong Kong, and Pakistan which had existing tea customs, as well as, regions such as East Africa (modern day Kenya. Tanzania, and Uganda), which did not have existing tea customs.

The British Empire spread its own interpretation of tea to its dominions and colonies including regions that today comprise the states of India, Hong Kong, and Pakistan which had existing tea customs, as well as, regions such as East Africa (modern day Kenya. Tanzania, and Uganda), which did not have existing tea customs.

Different regions also favor different varieties of tea, [[black tea|black]], [[green tea|green]], or [[oolong tea|oolong]], and use different flavourings, such as milk, sugar or herbs. The temperature and strength of the tea likewise varies widely.

Different regions also favor different varieties of tea, [[black tea|black]], [[green tea|green]], or [[oolong]], and use different flavourings, such as milk, sugar or herbs. The temperature and strength of the tea likewise varies widely.

==East Asia==

==East Asia==

*''Tea caddies'' and containers also became necessary in order to keep the tea and conserve its flavour. This was due to the fact that tea leaves do not preserve as well as tea bricks. Furthermore, the natural aroma of tea became the focus of the tea drinking due to the new preparation method.

*''Tea caddies'' and containers also became necessary in order to keep the tea and conserve its flavour. This was due to the fact that tea leaves do not preserve as well as tea bricks. Furthermore, the natural aroma of tea became the focus of the tea drinking due to the new preparation method.

*A change in Chinese tea ''drinking vessels'' was also evident at this point. Smaller bowls with plain or simple designs on the interior surfaces were favoured over the larger patterned bowls used for enjoying the patterns created by powdered teas. Tea drinking in small bowls and cups was likely adopted since it gathers and directs the fragrant steam from the tea to the nose and allows for better appreciation of the tea's flavour.

*A change in Chinese tea ''drinking vessels'' was also evident at this point. Smaller bowls with plain or simple designs on the interior surfaces were favoured over the larger patterned bowls used for enjoying the patterns created by powdered teas. Tea drinking in small bowls and cups was likely adopted since it gathers and directs the fragrant steam from the tea to the nose and allows for better appreciation of the tea's flavour.

Teawares made with a special kind of [[yixing clay|purple clay]] (Zisha) from [[Yixing]] went on to develop during this period ([[Ming Dynasty]]). The structure of purple clay made it advantageous material with tiny and high density, preferred for heat preservation and perviousness.

Teawares made with a special kind of purple clay (Zisha) from [[Yixing]] went on to develop during this period (Ming Dynasty). The structure of purple clay made it advantageous material with tiny and high density, preferred for heat preservation and perviousness.

Simplicity and rusticity dominated the idea of purple clay teaware decoration art. It became soon the most popular method of performing [[Gongfu tea ceremony|Chinese tea ceremony]], which often combines literature, [[calligraphy]], [[painting]] and [[seal cutting]] in Chinese culture.

Simplicity and rusticity dominated the idea of purple clay teaware decoration art. It became soon the most popular method of performing [[Gongfu tea ceremony|Chinese tea ceremony]], which often combines literature, calligraphy, painting and seal cutting in Chinese culture.

The loose-leaf tea and the purple clay teaware is still the preferred method of preparing tea in Chinese daily life.

The loose-leaf tea and the purple clay teaware is still the preferred method of preparing tea in Chinese daily life.

===Hong Kong===

===Hong Kong===

The English-style tea has evolved into a new local style of drink, the [[Hong Kong-style milk tea]], more often simply "milk tea", in [[Hong Kong]] by using [[evaporated milk]] instead of ordinary milk. It is popular at ''[[cha chaan teng]]s'' and fast food shops such as [[Café de Coral]] and [[Maxims Express]]. [[Chinese tea|Traditional Chinese tea]], including [[green tea]], [[flower tea]], [[jasmine tea]] and [[Pu-erh tea]], are also common, and are served at [[dim sum]] restaurant during ''[[yum cha]]''.

The English-style tea has evolved into a new local style of drink, the Hong Kong-style milk tea, more often simply "milk tea", in Hong Kong by using evaporated milk instead of ordinary milk. It is popular at ''cha chaan tengs'' and fast food shops such as Café de Coral and Maxims Express. Traditional Chinese tea, including [[green tea]], [[flower tea]], [[jasmine tea]] and [[Pu-erh tea]], are also common, and are served at dim sum restaurant during ''[[yum cha]]''.

===Japan===

===Japan===

[[Green tea|Green tea's]] traditional role in Japanese society is as a drink for special guests and special occasions. Green tea is served in many companies during afternoon breaks. Japanese often buy sweets for their colleagues when on vacation or business trips. These snacks are usually enjoyed with green tea. Tea will also be prepared for visitors coming for meetings to companies and for guests visiting Japanese homes. A thermos full of green tea is also a staple on family or school outings as an accompaniment to [[bento]] (box lunches). Families often bring along proper [[Chawan|Japanese teacups]], to enhance the enjoyment of the traditional drink.

[[Green tea|Green tea's]] traditional role in Japanese society is as a drink for special guests and special occasions. Green tea is served in many companies during afternoon breaks. Japanese often buy sweets for their colleagues when on vacation or business trips. These snacks are usually enjoyed with green tea. Tea will also be prepared for visitors coming for meetings to companies and for guests visiting Japanese homes. A thermos full of green tea is also a staple on family or school outings as an accompaniment to [[bento]] (box lunches). Families often bring along proper [[Chawan|Japanese teacups]], to enhance the enjoyment of the traditional drink.

The strong cultural association the Japanese have with green tea has made it the most popular beverage to drink with traditional Japanese cuisine, such as [[sushi]], [[sashimi]] and [[tempura]]. At a restaurant, a cup of green tea is often served with meals at no extra charge, with as many refills as desired. The best traditional Japanese restaurants take as much care in choosing the tea they serve as in preparing the food itself.

The strong cultural association the Japanese have with green tea has made it the most popular beverage to drink with traditional Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, sashim] and tempura. At a restaurant, a cup of green tea is often served with meals at no extra charge, with as many refills as desired. The best traditional Japanese restaurants take as much care in choosing the tea they serve as in preparing the food itself.

[[File:Powderedgreentea.jpg|thumb|right|Cup of [[Matcha]] tea and sweet cake]]

[[File:Powderedgreentea.jpg|thumb|right|Cup of [[Matcha]] tea and sweet cake]]

Many Japanese are still taught the proper art of the centuries-old [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]] as well. Still, the Japanese now enjoy green tea processed using state of the art technology. Today, hand pressing—a method demonstrated to tourists—is taught only as a technique preserved as a part of the Japanese cultural tradition. Most of the ubiquitous vending machines also carry a wide selection of both hot and cold bottled teas. [[Oolong tea]] enjoys considerable popularity. [[Black tea]], often with milk or lemon, is served ubiquitously in cafes, coffee shops and restaurants.

Many Japanese are still taught the proper art of the centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony as well. Still, the Japanese now enjoy green tea processed using state of the art technology. Today, hand pressing—a method demonstrated to tourists—is taught only as a technique preserved as a part of the Japanese cultural tradition. Most of the ubiquitous vending machines also carry a wide selection of both hot and cold bottled teas. [[Oolong]] enjoys considerable popularity. [[Black tea]], often with milk or lemon, is served ubiquitously in cafes, coffee shops and restaurants.

Major tea-producing areas in Japan include [[Shizuoka Prefecture]] and the city of [[Uji, Kyoto|Uji]] in [[Kyoto Prefecture]].

Major tea-producing areas in Japan include [[Shizuoka Prefecture]] and the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture.

Other infusions bearing the name ''cha'' are barley tea (''mugi-cha'') which is popular as a cold drink in the summer, buckwheat tea (''soba-cha''), and [[hydrangea]] tea (''ama-cha'').

Other infusions bearing the name ''cha'' are barley tea (''mugi-cha'') which is popular as a cold drink in the summer, buckwheat tea (''soba-cha''), and hydrangea tea (''ama-cha'').

===Myanmar===

===Myanmar===

[[Myanmar]] (formerly Burma) is one of very few countries where tea is not only drunk but eaten as '''[[lahpet]]''' - pickled tea served with various accompaniments. It is called ''lahpet so'' (tea wet) in contrast to ''lahpet chauk'' (tea dry) or ''akyan jauk'' (crude dry) with which green tea—''yeinway jan'' or ''lahpet yeijan'' meaning plain or crude tea—is made. In the [[Shan State]] of Myanmar where most of the tea is grown, and also [[Kachin State]], tea is dry-roasted in a pan before adding boiling water to make green tea. It is the national drink in a predominantly [[Buddhist]] country with no national tipple other than the [[palm wine|palm toddy]]. Tea sweetened with milk is known as ''lahpet yeijo'' made with ''acho jauk'' (sweet dry) or black tea and prepared the [[India]]n way, brewed and sweetened with condensed milk. It is a very popular drink although the middle classes by and large appear to prefer coffee most of the time. It was introduced to Myanmar by Indian immigrants some of whom set up teashops known as ''kaka hsaing'', later evolving to just ''lahpetyei hsaing'' (teashop).

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is one of very few countries where tea is not only drunk but eaten as '''[[lahpet]]''' - pickled tea served with various accompaniments. It is called ''lahpet so'' (tea wet) in contrast to ''lahpet chauk'' (tea dry) or ''akyan jauk'' (crude dry) with which green tea—''yeinway jan'' or ''lahpet yeijan'' meaning plain or crude tea—is made. In the Shan State of Myanmar where most of the tea is grown, and also Kachin State, tea is dry-roasted in a pan before adding boiling water to make green tea. It is the national drink in a predominantly Buddhist country with no national tipple other than the palm wine. Tea sweetened with milk is known as ''lahpet yeijo'' made with ''acho jauk'' (sweet dry) or black tea and prepared the [[India]]n way, brewed and sweetened with condensed milk. It is a very popular drink although the middle classes by and large appear to prefer coffee most of the time. It was introduced to Myanmar by Indian immigrants some of whom set up teashops known as ''kaka hsaing'', later evolving to just ''lahpetyei hsaing'' (teashop).

====Social nexus====

====Social nexus====

Burma's street culture is basically a tea culture as people, mostly men but also women and families, hang out in tea shops reading the paper or chatting away with friends, exchanging news, gossip and jokes, nursing cups of Indian tea served with a diverse range of snacks from cream cakes to [[China|Chinese]] fried breadsticks (youtiao) and steamed buns (baozi) to Indian naan bread and samosas. Green tea is customarily the first thing to be served free of charge as soon as a customer sits down at a table in all restaurants as well as teashops.

Burma's street culture is basically a tea culture as people, mostly men but also women and families, hang out in tea shops reading the paper or chatting away with friends, exchanging news, gossip and jokes, nursing cups of Indian tea served with a diverse range of snacks from cream cakes to Chinese fried breadsticks (youtiao) and steamed buns (baozi) to Indian naan bread and samosas. Green tea is customarily the first thing to be served free of charge as soon as a customer sits down at a table in all restaurants as well as teashops.

Pubs and clubs, unlike in the West, have remained a minority pursuit so far. Teashops are found from the smallest village to major cities in every neighbourhood up and down the country. They are open from the crack of dawn for breakfast till late in the evening, and some are open 24 hours catering for long distance drivers and travellers. One of the most popular teashops in Yangon in the late 1970s was called ''Shwe Hleiga'' (Golden Stairs) by popular acclaim as it was just a pavement stall, with low tables and stools for the customers, at the bottom of a stairwell in downtown Yangon. Busy bus stops and terminals as well as markets have several teashops. Train journeys in Myanmar also feature hawkers who jump aboard with giant kettles of tea for thirsty passengers.

Pubs and clubs, unlike in the West, have remained a minority pursuit so far. Teashops are found from the smallest village to major cities in every neighbourhood up and down the country. They are open from the crack of dawn for breakfast till late in the evening, and some are open 24 hours catering for long distance drivers and travellers. One of the most popular teashops in Yangon in the late 1970s was called ''Shwe Hleiga'' (Golden Stairs) by popular acclaim as it was just a pavement stall, with low tables and stools for the customers, at the bottom of a stairwell in downtown Yangon. Busy bus stops and terminals as well as markets have several teashops. Train journeys in Myanmar also feature hawkers who jump aboard with giant kettles of tea for thirsty passengers.

====Industrial Revolution====

====Industrial Revolution====

Some scholars suggest that tea played a role in the [[Industrial Revolution]]. Afternoon tea possibly became a way to increase the number of hours [[labourer]]s could work in [[factory|factories]]; the stimulants in the tea, accompanied by [[sugar]]y snacks, would give workers energy to finish out the day's work. Further, tea helped alleviate some of the consequences of the [[urbanisation]] that accompanied the industrial revolution: drinking tea required boiling one's water, thereby killing water-borne [[disease]]s like [[dysentery]], [[cholera]], and [[typhoid]].

Some scholars suggest that tea played a role in the Industrial Revolution. Afternoon tea possibly became a way to increase the number of hours labourers could work in factories; the stimulants in the tea, accompanied by sugary snacks, would give workers energy to finish out the day's work. Further, tea helped alleviate some of the consequences of the urbanisation that accompanied the industrial revolution: drinking tea required boiling one's water, thereby killing water-borne diseases like dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.

====Tea cards====

====Tea cards====

In the United Kingdom a number of varieties of loose tea sold in packets from the 1940s to the 1980s contained tea cards. These were illustrated cards roughly the same size as [[cigarette card]]s and intended to be collected by children. Perhaps the best known were [[Typhoo tea]] and [[Brooke Bond]] (manufacturer of [[PG Tips]]), who also provided albums for collectors to keep their cards in, the brand named ''Brooke Bond Dividend D'', that is, the card was a [[dividend]] against the cost of the tea. Some brands also provided stamps that could be traded at the [[Co-op]]. Some renowned artists were commissioned to illustrate the cards including [[Charles Tunnicliffe]]. Many of these card collections are now valuable collectors' items.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}

In the United Kingdom a number of varieties of loose tea sold in packets from the 1940s to the 1980s contained tea cards. These were illustrated cards roughly the same size as cigarette cards and intended to be collected by children. Perhaps the best known were Typhoo tea and Brooke Bond (manufacturer of PG Tips), who also provided albums for collectors to keep their cards in, the brand named ''Brooke Bond Dividend D'', that is, the card was a dividend against the cost of the tea. Some brands also provided stamps that could be traded at the Co-op. Some renowned artists were commissioned to illustrate the cards including Charles Tunnicliffe. Many of these card collections are now valuable collectors' items.

====Commonwealth countries====

====Commonwealth countries====

Afternoon tea and the variant [[cream tea]] (called ''Devonshire Tea'' in Australia and New Zealand) is the best known "tea ceremony" in the English speaking [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, available in homes and [[tea room]]s throughout [[Great Britain]], [[India]], [[Africa]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Australia]]; is it often associated with Great Britain. "Tea" may also refer to a meal, or dinner, in some Commonwealth countries, notably those forming the United Kingdom, regardless of the beverage served with the meal; in many English dialects it means the main meal of the day, and "dinner" means a mid-day meal. [[Alan Bennett]], for example, lamented that he was the only one to have dinner at noon. This usage has however fallen out of favour in Canada and Australia.

Afternoon tea and the variant [[cream tea]] (called ''Devonshire Tea'' in Australia and New Zealand) is the best known "tea ceremony" in the English speaking [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, available in homes and [[tea room]]s throughout Great Britain, India, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia; is it often associated with Great Britain. "Tea" may also refer to a meal, or dinner, in some Commonwealth countries, notably those forming the United Kingdom, regardless of the beverage served with the meal; in many English dialects it means the main meal of the day, and "dinner" means a mid-day meal. [[Alan Bennett]], for example, lamented that he was the only one to have dinner at noon. This usage has however fallen out of favour in Canada and Australia.

This could lead to confusion over the meaning of an invitation to "tea". The slang term "cuppa" (as in a "cup of tea"), is used in the [[United Kingdom]] possibly to counteract this confusion, but is more likely just an abbreviation. Due to the diverse mix of races and cultures in [[Australia]] since the 1950s, these days most cultural variations of tea are available.{{cn|date=July 2012}} Taiwanese [[bubble tea]], known locally as pearl milk tea, has become widely popular in urban Australia, with multiple chains in every major city.

This could lead to confusion over the meaning of an invitation to "tea". The slang term "cuppa" (as in a "cup of tea"), is used in the [[United Kingdom]] possibly to counteract this confusion, but is more likely just an abbreviation. Due to the diverse mix of races and cultures in [[Australia]] since the 1950s, these days most cultural variations of tea are available. Taiwanese [[bubble tea]], known locally as pearl milk tea, has become widely popular in urban Australia, with multiple chains in every major city.

A stereotypical expression "[[You'll Have Had Your Tea]]" is used to parody people from Edinburgh as being rather shortcoming with hospitality. A [[BBC Radio 4|Radio 4]] series of this name was made by [[Graeme Garden]] and [[Barry Cryer]].

A stereotypical expression "You'll Have Had Your Tea" is used to parody people from Edinburgh as being rather shortcoming with hospitality. A BBC Radio 4 series of this name was made byraeme Garden and Barry Cryer.

==Americas==

==Americas==

===United States===

===United States===

In the [[United States]], tea can typically be served at all meals as an alternative to [[coffee]], when served hot, or [[Soft drink|soda]], when served iced. Tea is also consumed throughout the day as a beverage. [[Afternoon tea]], the meal done in the English tradition, is rarely served in the [[United States]], although it remains romanticized by small children; it is usually reserved for special occasions like [[Tea party (social gathering)|tea parties]]. Rather than drinking tea hot, many Americans prefer tea served with ice. Iced tea has become an iconic symbol of the southern United States and southern hospitality, often appearing alongside summer barbecue cooking or grilled foods. Iced tea is often made as sweet tea, which is simply iced tea with copious amounts of sugar or sweetener.

In the United States, tea can typically be served at all meals as an alternative to coffee, when served hot, or soda, when served iced. Tea is also consumed throughout the day as a beverage. [[Afternoon tea]], the meal done in the English tradition, is rarely served in the United States, although it remains romanticized by small children; it is usually reserved for special occasions like tea parties. Rather than drinking tea hot, many Americans prefer tea served with ice. Iced tea has become an iconic symbol of the southern United States and southern hospitality, often appearing alongside summer barbecue cooking or grilled foods. Iced tea is often made as sweet tea, which is simply iced tea with copious amounts of sugar or sweetener.

Iced tea can be purchased like soda, in canned or bottled form at vending machines and convenience stores. This pre-made tea is usually sweetened. Sometimes some other flavorings, such as lemon or raspberry, are added. Many restaurants dispense iced tea brewed throughout the day from upright containers. In the United States, about 80% of the tea consumed is served cold, or "iced". [[Decaffeination|Decaffeinated]] tea is widely available in the United States, for those who wish to reduce the physiological effects of [[caffeine]].

Iced tea can be purchased like soda, in canned or bottled form at vending machines and convenience stores. This pre-made tea is usually sweetened. Sometimes some other flavorings, such as lemon or raspberry, are added. Many restaurants dispense iced tea brewed throughout the day from upright containers. In the United States, about 80% of the tea consumed is served cold, or "iced". Decaffeinated tea is widely available in the United States, for those who wish to reduce the physiological effects of [[caffeine]].

Prior to [[World War II]], the US preference for tea was equally split between [[green tea]] and [[black tea]], 40% and 40%, with the remaining 20% preferring [[oolong tea]]. The war cut off the United States from its primary sources of green tea, [[China]] and [[Japan]], leaving it with tea almost exclusively from British-controlled [[India]], which produces black tea. After the war, nearly 99% of tea consumed was black tea. ''Green'', ''oolong'', and ''white'' teas have recently become more popular again, and are often touted as health foods.

Prior to World War II, the US preference for tea was equally split between [[green tea]] and [[black tea]], 40% and 40%, with the remaining 20% preferring [[oolong tea]]. The war cut off the United States from its primary sources of green tea, China and Japan, leaving it with tea almost exclusively from British-controlled [[India]], which produces black tea. After the war, nearly 99% of tea consumed was black tea. ''Green'', ''oolong'', and ''white'' teas have recently become more popular again, and are often touted as health foods.

In the past 15 years fast food coffee chains have made a huge impact on how Americans are exposed to tisanes and exotic teas. Once considered a rarity, ''chai'', based on Indian ''[[masala chai]]'' has actually become a popular choice for latte drinkers. Although not as commercialized, [[Bubble tea]] from [[Taiwan]] has also become popular in the United States in recent years, often served in small local cafes in the same style as many coffee drinks.

In the past 15 years fast food coffee chains have made a huge impact on how Americans are exposed to tisanes and exotic teas. Once considered a rarity, ''chai'', based on Indian ''[[masala chai]]'' has actually become a popular choice for latte drinkers. Although not as commercialized, [[Bubble tea]] from [[Taiwan]] has also become popular in the United States in recent years, often served in small local cafes in the same style as many coffee drinks.