Tea in Britain

I sometimes think of the similarity between Japanese people and British people of their drinking tea habit. In Britain, people drink tea when they have guests, at work,when they want to relax after finishing the small chores or event, and to enjoy the time with friends. People also take tea when they are surprised or depressed to calm themselves down. In Britain, people say, "When you are sad, drink tea first, and think about it later!". This is one example how people in Britain use tea to soothe their feelings and ease their minds. In Britain, people tend to invite close friends for tea than dinner. Because drinking tea has to be truly enjoyable and relaxed for them. Same as the concept of Chanoyu of Japan, for British people drinking tea is not only about drinking tea. Tea provides the occasion for relaxed conversation, hospitality and friendship. People do drink tea to satisfy their thirst, but tea is something more for them, something vital for their daily life.

(Yoshie Matsumiya)