Our Daily Cuppa

Uni institutes daily tea time

(Photo by Darren Heslop)

Afternoon tea is a well-known tradition in British culture, and is still practiced not only in the United Kingdom, but in many parts of the world that were colonized by the British in the past. Despite its widespread popularity and the faithful adherence to which is exercised by true Brits and Anglophiles alike, the custom of having afternoon tea is a relatively new introduction to British culture.

According to historic-uk.com, tea-drinking was popularised in England during the 1660s by King Charles II and his wife, the Portuguese Infanta Catherine de Braganza. But it was not until the mid-19th century that the concept of afternoon tea really caught on.

“Tea has always been an important part of many cultures throughout history,” says Stephanie Carpenter, chair of the Department of History & Political Science. “The Chinese started it in the third millennia as a medicinal method. Over the course of centuries, its popularity spread across Asia and finally into Europe, where Britain colonized the concept of tea-drinking.”

As part of an ongoing transition to a more British campus, Andrews University has, perhaps predictably, decided to instate Afternoon Tea Time. Starting in fall semester 2017, no classes will be scheduled from 2:30-3 p.m. During this time, campus offices will close, as employees are encouraged to take advantage of tea time for a mid-afternoon break from work.

“University Health & Wellness is happy to partner with Dining Services to provide a Tea Lounge for students to enjoy every afternoon,” says Dominique Wakefield, director of UH&W. “We are currently researching a variety of decaffeinated options that will provide a sense of comfort and calmness.”

Despite the University’s determination to be as British as possible, Wakefield, who, although European, hails from Germany, insists that afternoon tea won’t be quite the same at Andrews.

“We won’t be providing clotted cream for the scones,” she says decisively. “That stuff is gross.”

Though it will take some adjustment, University administration feels that afternoon tea should become a year-round daily staple for the entire campus community.

“Michigan summers can be quite warm and humid,” comments Wakefield, “and it may seem counter-intuitive to enjoy a cup of hot liquid when walking outside feels like you’re actually walking in a cup of tea. But the truth is that getting your body accustomed to being heated from the inside will actually help you feel cooler on the outside, even in the summer.”

It’s more than just enjoying a “cuppa,” says Andrea Luxton, University president and British citizen.

“Afternoon tea is the classy British equivalent to meeting at the water cooler,” she explains. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the day thus far, engage socially with your colleagues and prepare for the work day’s end.”