September 29, 2004
Tea Ceremonies
Tea. It has a long tradition dating back, as legend would have it, 5,000 years.
In my case, I've grown up with a love of tea. My first recollection of drinking tea was with my family in a place called Harrogate in England, as we were making our way to Edinburgh in late 1971. I have a clear memory of that cuppa being served with milk although I'm not sure whether it had sugar.
These days I drink my tea black without sugar. For many years Twinings Earl Grey has been a favourite.
Why this sudden urge to write about tea?
Well, apart from the fact that the kettle has just boiled here in the office, my brother Roderic is staying with us for a few days. Rod is a serious tea drinker, like my Aunty Nell with whom he shares both a birthday and a passion for tea. It seems that current research indicates that tea has beneficial health effects... perhaps that has something to do with Aunty Nell still being around to enjoy it at the age of 90!
Tea is associated with civilised culture. To me the ceremony of sharing a cuppa with friends has peaceful and calming overtones and brings back fun-filled childhood memories. Like watching The Goodies Ecky Thump episode, complete with its Lancastrian tea ceremony...
Anyway, my cuppa has brewed and it's time to get back to work...
Posted to Health, Personal by Keith Pitty