Afternoon Tea vs High Tea
Afternoon tea, a quintessentially British tradition, started as a light late lunch intended to fill the gap between early lunches and late dinners in the 1800s. Typically, it occurs between 3-4 pm, featuring fancy cakes, macaroons, and sandwiches served on a three-tier tray with tea. It originated among the upper classes in 19th century Britain, with the aim to tide one over until the evening meal at around 4 PM. The atmosphere of the event was characterized by comfort, refinement, and elegance.
In contrast, high tea was the more robust evening meal of the working class during the 18th and 19th centuries, served between 5PM – 7PM after a day’s work. The menu included meat, potatoes, and other hearty dishes rather than delicate pastries and finger sandwiches. The name "high tea" comes from the high dining table used for supper.
Modern Tea Time
Today, the terms afternoon tea and high tea are still in use, sometimes interchangeably, although they have different origins. Afternoon tea features fine pastries and finger foods served on low tables, in line with the social occasion it was during the days of the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna. On the other hand, high tea traditionally offers more substantial fare and is now enjoyed by people of all social classes as a way to celebrate or enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Understanding the historical context of these terms dispels the common misconception that "high tea" implies a fancier affair. The distinction lies in the timing, menus, and atmospheres that trace back to Britain’s complex social history.
High tea, despite often being misunderstood as a formal and fancy meal, began with the lower classes. For workers in the newly industrialized Britain, tea time included a pot of strong tea along with hot and filling dishes, often served on a table packed with a variety of items like cold meats, vegetables, pickled fish, potatoes, and homemade bread.
Remember, the evening meal today is often simply referred to as "tea" or "dinner," but the traditional notions of afternoon and high tea continue to be celebrated and enjoyed around the world.
(Note: Repetitive sentences have been removed, and no additional changes have been made beyond the requirements.)