Afternoon tea is a British tradition that originated in the 1840s as a light meal served between lunch and dinner at around 4pm, intended to curb hunger until the evening meal at 8pm. It typically includes small finger foods like scones, tarts, and mince pies along with tea, usually black tea. Scones were not originally part of afternoon tea but were added in the 20th century. The tradition and rituals of afternoon tea, including its vocabulary, history and recipes, provide insight into British culture.

1. Exploring
culture:
English Afternoon Tea
By Han Zou
The University of Edinburgh

2. There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour
dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.
-- Henry James
Afternoon Tea–
A Great British Tradition
The history of English Afternoon Tea
http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/afternoon-tea/

3. What is Afternoon Tea
– Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It
evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal
at 8pm.

4. Vocabulary about English Afternoon Tea
Scone: a kind of cake or quick bread
Scones were not a common feature of early Afternoon Tea
and were only introduced in the twentieth century.
History of Scones
http://www.foodreference.com/html/a-scone-history.html
How to make scones
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/scones_1285

5. Vocabulary about English Afternoon Tea
Black Tea
In Chinese and the languages of neighboring
countries, black tea is known as "red tea”
In the UK, tea is often served with milk,
And is more often sold as teabags.
Benefits of drinking black tea
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-black-tea.html

6. Vocabulary about English Afternoon Tea
Mince pie
a fruit-based mincemeat sweat pie of British origin that is
Traditionally served during the Christmas season
How to cook mince pies
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mince_pies_16839

7. Vocabulary about English Afternoon Tea
Tart
a baked dish consisting of a filling over a pastry
base with an open top not covered with pastry.
How to make tarts
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/lemon_tart/

8. That’s all, thank you!
– There are a lot more British traditions for you to explore