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

[[File:Tea ceremony.jpg|thumb|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.

Tea is commonly consumed at social events, and many cultures have created intricate formal ceremonies for these events. Western examples of these are afternoon tea and the [[Tea party (social gathering)|tea party]]. [[Tea ceremony|Tea ceremonies]], with its roots in the [[Chinese tea culture]], differ among eastern countries, such as the [[Japanese tea ceremony|Japanese]] or [[Korean tea ceremony]]. However, it may also differ in preparation, such as in Tibet, where tea is commonly brewed with salt and butter. Tea also plays an important role in some countries.

Tea is commonly consumed at social events, and many cultures have created intricate formal ceremonies for these events. Western examples of these are afternoon tea and the [[Tea party (social gathering)|tea party]]. [[Tea ceremony|Tea ceremonies]], with its roots in the [[Chinese tea culture]], differ among eastern countries, such as the [[Japanese tea ceremony|Japanese]] or [[Korean tea ceremony]]. However, it may also differ in preparation, such as in Tibet, where tea is commonly brewed with salt and butter. Tea also plays an important role in some countries.

The [[British Empire]] spread its own interpretation of tea to its dominions and colonies including regions that today comprise the states of [[Tea culture#India|India]], [[Tea culture#Hong Kong|Hong Kong]], and [[Tea culture#Pakistan|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 tea|oolong]], and use different flavourings, such as milk, sugar or herbs. The temperature and strength of the tea likewise varies widely.

===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.<ref name="Thanegi">{{cite web|url=http://www.myanmar.gov.mm/myanmartimes/no113/myanmartimes6-113/Timeouts/1.htm|title=A World filled with Tea|author=Ma Thanegi|publisher=''[[Myanmar Times]]'' vol.6 no.113|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref><ref name="Brown">{{cite web|url=http://www.myanmar.gov.mm/myanmartimes/no37/timeout_4.htm|title=The Travelling Gourmet|publisher=''[[Myanmar Times]]'' no.37|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Thanegi"/> 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|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).

====Social nexus====

====Social nexus====

====Lahpet====

====Lahpet====

 

[[File:Laphet oke.JPG|thumb|Lahpet served in a lacquer dish]]

[[File:Laphet oke.JPG|thumb|Lahpet served in a lacquer dish]]

Lahpet (pickled tea) is served in one of two ways:

Lahpet (pickled tea) is served in one of two ways:

Tea growing in [[Portugal]] takes place in the [[Azores]], a group of islands located 1500&nbsp;km west of Mainland Portugal. Portugal was the first to introduce the practice of drinking tea to Europe as well as the first European country to produce tea. {{Citation needed|date=November 2012}}

Tea growing in [[Portugal]] takes place in the [[Azores]], a group of islands located 1500&nbsp;km west of Mainland Portugal. Portugal was the first to introduce the practice of drinking tea to Europe as well as the first European country to produce tea. {{Citation needed|date=November 2012}}

In 1750, terrains ranging from the fields of [[Capelas]] to those of [[Porto Formoso]] on the island of [[São Miguel Island|São Miguel]] were used for the first trial crops of tea. They delivered 10&nbsp;kg of black tea and 8&nbsp;kg of green tea. A century later, with the introduction of skilled workers from the [[Macau]] Region of China in 1883, production became significant and the culture expanded. Following the instructions of these workers, the species ''[[Jasmine|Jasminum grandiflorum]]'' and ''[[Malva|Malva vacciones]]'' were introduced to give 'nobility' to the tea aroma, though only the Jasminum was used.<ref>[http://www.gorreana.com/historiae.htm The Tea history in São Miguel<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

In 1750, terrains ranging from the fields of [[Capelas]] to those of [[Porto Formoso]] on the island of [[São Miguel Island|São Miguel]] were used for the first trial crops of tea. They delivered 10&nbsp;kg of black tea and 8&nbsp;kg of green tea. A century later, with the introduction of skilled workers from the [[Macau]] Region of China in 1883, production became significant and the culture expanded. Following the instructions of these workers, the species ''[[Jasmine|Jasminum grandiflorum]]'' and ''[[Malva|Malva vacciones]]'' were introduced to give 'nobility' to the tea aroma, though only the Jasminum was used.

This tea is currently traded under the name of the processed compound, ''Gorreana'', and is produced by independent families. No [[herbicides]] or [[pesticides]] are allowed in the growing process, and modern consumers associate the production with more recent [[Organic food|organic]] teas. However, production standards concerning the plant itself and its cropping have not changed for the last 250 years.

This tea is currently traded under the name of the processed compound, ''Gorreana'', and is produced by independent families. No [[herbicides]] or [[pesticides]] are allowed in the growing process, and modern consumers associate the production with more recent [[Organic food|organic]] teas. However, production standards concerning the plant itself and its cropping have not changed for the last 250 years.

===Great Britain===

===Great Britain===

 

[[File:Milk clouds in tea.jpeg|thumb|right|Black tea with just added —and not yet stirred in— milk.]]

[[File:Milk clouds in tea.jpeg|thumb|right|Black tea with just added —and not yet stirred in— milk.]]

The [[United Kingdom|British]] are the second largest per capita tea consumers in the world after [[Ireland]], with each person consuming on average 2.1&nbsp;kg per year.<ref name="Britons have less time for tea">[http://web.archive.org/web/20071215124721/http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/news/ng.asp?id=17656-britons-have-less Britons have less time for tea<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The popularity of tea dates back to the 19th century when [[India]] was part of the [[British Empire]], and British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent. It was, however, first introduced in Britain by the Portuguese [[Catherine of Braganza]], queen consort of Charles II in the 1660s and 1670s. As tea spread throughout the [[Great Britain]] people started to have [[tea garden]]s and [[tea dance]]s. These would include watching fireworks or a dinner party and dance, concluding with an evening tea. The tea gardens lost value after [[World War II]] but tea dances are still held today in Great Britain.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}

The [[United Kingdom|British]] are the second largest per capita tea consumers in the world after [[Ireland]], with each person consuming on average 2.1&nbsp;kg per year. The popularity of tea dates back to the 19th century when [[India]] was part of the [[British Empire]], and British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent. It was, however, first introduced in Britain by the Portuguese [[Catherine of Braganza]], queen consort of Charles II in the 1660s and 1670s. As tea spread throughout the [[Great Britain]] people started to have [[tea garden]]s and [[tea dance]]s. These would include watching fireworks or a dinner party and dance, concluding with an evening tea. The tea gardens lost value after [[World War II]] but tea dances are still held today in Great Britain.

 

Tea is usually [[black tea]] served with milk and sometimes with sugar. Strong tea served with lots of milk and often two [[teaspoon]]s of sugar, usually in a mug, is commonly referred to as [[Builders tea|''builder's tea'']]. Much of the time in Britain, tea drinking is not the delicate, refined cultural expression that the rest of the world imagines—a cup (or commonly a mug) of tea is something drunk often, with some people drinking as many as 15-20 cups of tea a day, although the average is around 5. This is not to say that the British do not have a more formal tea ceremony, but for the working class, tea breaks are an essential part of any day. Employers generally allow breaks for tea and sometimes [[biscuits]] to be served.

Tea is usually [[black tea]] served with milk and sometimes with sugar. Strong tea served with lots of milk and often two [[teaspoon]]s of sugar, usually in a mug, is commonly referred to as [[Builders tea|''builder's tea'']]. Much of the time in Britain, tea drinking is not the delicate, refined cultural expression that the rest of the world imagines—a cup (or commonly a mug) of tea is something drunk often, with some people drinking as many as 15-20 cups of tea a day, although the average is around 5. This is not to say that the British do not have a more formal tea ceremony, but for the working class, tea breaks are an essential part of any day. Employers generally allow breaks for tea and sometimes [[biscuits]] to be served.

====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]].<ref>[http://www.alanmacfarlane.com/savage/tea.html Tea and the Industrial Revolution<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

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]].

====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]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} . 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 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}}

====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.{{cn|date=July 2012}} 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.{{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.

==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 [[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.

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". [[Decaffeination|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]]{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}. 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.

* [[Brazilian tea culture]]

* [[Brazilian tea culture]]

[[Category:Tea]]

[[Category:Tea]]

[[Category:Tea culture| ]]

[[Category:Tea culture]]

[[Category:Tea ceremony]]

[[Category:Tea ceremony]]

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