Tea drinking customs differ greatly around the world, from the way it is prepared to the way it is consumed.
Britain is one of the largest consumers of tea in the world. The average number of cups of tea consumed in a day by any one person is about five. Tea is consumed in many places of work and quite often biscuits are served alongside the tea. In Britain, tea is quite often served mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
It is common among Chinese people to make an apology by pouring a cup of tea. This is taken as a sign of submission. The Chinese also integrate tea drinking customs into marriage ceremonies. The bride and groom will kneel in front of their parents and serve them tea. Following this the parents will drink a small amount of the tea and then give the young couple a red envelope. The envelope symbolizes good luck. The tea ceremonies at weddings also serve as a way for families to socialise and interact with other families. Napkin folding is also evident during tea ceremonies which serve as a means of keeping bad energy at bay. Tea is the national drink in China and contains important vitamins and minerals. It is believed among Chinese people that drinking tea frequently promotes a healthy life.
In India, tea is mostly consumed at breakfast and in the evening. The tea is usually scented; the tea leaves are boiled in water and milk is then added.
In Pakistan, tea is usually consumed at breakfast, at work during lunch breaks and at home in the evening. Evening tea is often consumed with biscuits or cake. On the whole, tea is made from loose tea leaves. Tea is served black; however, it is becoming more common for green tea to be served. Tea is mainly imported from Kenya.
In Turkey, tea is prepared in two kettles, one stacked on top of the other. The larger of the two kettles, on the bottom, is used to boil the water. Some of the water is then added to the smaller kettle on top. This produces a strong tea. A different amount of water is then added to each cup of tea to suit the taste of the individual.
Most of Germany is known for its coffee drinkers; however, the region of East Friesland contains a great number of tea drinkers. Assam tea is served to those who visit an East Frisian home. It is also served with breakfast, the middle of the afternoon and in the evening. Tea is served with small cookies on weekdays and cakes on special occasions which are seen as a special treat. Tea is traditionally used to cure various ailments such as headaches and stomach problems.
Morocco is another major tea drinker in the world and they have their own tea drinking ceremony. Moroccans watch as their host prepares the tea. All those who take part in the ceremony wash their hands in orange blossom.
