Tradition of 5 o’clock tea

Традиции английского чаепития

Англия особая страна. Считается, что англичане уважают и соблюдают свои традиции это правда. Одна из наиболее известных традиций англичан - пить чай в 5 часов дня. Эта традиция была введена английской королевой Анной в 1840 году. Ужин тогда подавался поздно, около 8 часов и королева успевала проголодаться к 4-м часам дня. Чтобы утолить голод она приказывала подавать ей чай, хлеб с маслом и пирожные.

Вскоре это стало привычкой и она стала приглашать друзей на свои чаепития.

Таким образом чаепития стали светскими мероприятиями. Дамы высшего света принимали гостей в гостиной между 4 и 5 часами. Они обменивались сплетнями, планировали вечера и знакомились с новыми людьми. Иногда леди приходили всего на 10-15 минут, так как им нужно было успеть посетить несколько таких чаепитий. К чаю подавались пирожные, печенье, сэндвичи и фрукты. Кроме чая гости могли выпить кофе, вино, шерри или шампанское.

Современный ритм жизни изменил традиции и образ жизни многих англичан, но как бы заняты они не были, британцы стараются найти время на то, чтобы выпить чаю с кусочком пирога. К традиционному послеобеденному чаю подаются разнообразные сэндвичи (обязательными являются тонко нарезанные сэндвичи с огурцом), а также пироги и булочки. Чай, выращенный в Индии и на Цейлоне разливается из серебряных чайников в изящные фарфоровые чашечки.

Перевод статьи на английский язык

England is a special country. It is generally believed that English people respect their traditions very much. It’s true and one of the well known English traditions is 5 o’clock tea. This tradition was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840.

The Duchess would become hungry around four o'clock in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o'clock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her.

Soon this pause for tea became a fashionable social event. During the 1880's upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea which was usually served in the drawing room between four and five o'clock. It was a chance for ladies and gentlemen (the few males who attended) to exchange gossip, plan future soirees and be introduced to new acquaintances. Guests arrived from a quarter past four until half past five. At the height of the Social Season, the most pressed ladies usually only stayed for a quarter of an hour, as they were on their way to another 'five o'clock tea.' These teas were grand enough for a buffet table to be set up with refreshments. Cakes, thin bread and butter, fancy biscuits, ices, fruits and sandwiches comprised the food, while big silver urns dispensed tea, coffee, wine claret cup, sherry and champagne-cup.

Nowadays due to social changes and work schedules, afternoon tea is now mainly saved for special occasions. However, taking a cup of tea and a slice of cake at afternoon tea time is not uncommon. Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups. Nowadays however, in the average suburban home, afternoon tea is likely to be just a biscuit or small cake and a mug of tea, usually produced using a teabag.

But if you want to enjoy old traditions of afternoon tea you can visit one of the tea rooms. Tearoom is a small room or restaurant where beverages and light meals are served, often catering chiefly to women and having a sedate or subdued atmosphere. Here you can be proposed three kinds of tea: cream tea, which includes tea, jam and scones; light tea, which includes tea, scones and sweets; and full tea, which includes tea, savories, scones, sweets and desserts. Tea-Rooms saw a revival in popularity in the 1880s, both in England and America. They were places for refreshments where hot meals, cakes, bread and pastries were available. Tea-Rooms were also popular because they were the first socially acceptable places ladies could refresh themselves without male escorts.

So, if you want to feel English invite your friends for a cup of tea. Don’t forget that English people drink tea with milk. Enjoy your afternoon tea and practice your English.