By Janet Gregg
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

There’s nothing like getting together over a cup of tea and a plate full of pastries.

Recently, dozens of Highland Springs residents invited their daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters to do just that at the community’s first Generational Tea.

Brewing history
Catering Coordinator Roben Brannon, who was the featured speaker, shared the history of tea and the etiquette involved in drinking it.

According to Brannon, the Chinese and Japanese drank tea long before recorded history. Then, in the 1600s, the king of England married a Portuguese princess who introduced tea to the British. Originally, tea was only for the upper classes, but it slowly spread to the masses across Europe.

"Elevensies, which was tea that took place at 11 a.m., was the working class’s tea," said Brannon.

She also explained the difference between high tea and low tea. "Low tea occurred earlier in the day, in a sitting room," Brannon said. "High tea was held in the dining room at 4 or 5 p.m. and usually consisted of a full meal. And then they ate again at 8 p.m.!"

Brannon noted that brewing a strong pot of tea signifies friendship, while a weak pot of tea indicates the opposite. The crowd laughed when she urged them to be careful not to send the wrong message when hosting a tea!

Crowd drinks it up
Highand Springs resident Jane Gilliatt invited her daughter, Debbie, and her 10-year-old granddaughter, Erin, to the event.

Erin Gilliatt intently followed all of the procedures Brannon outlined, from napkin folding to tea stirring.

"I wanted to bring my daughter and granddaughter here because it was a chance to do something different together," Jane Gilliatt said. "They generally come on Sundays for lunch."

"I think it’s wonderful that they offer events like this," Debbie Gilliatt said. "What amazes me is that everyone here is so friendly, not only the residents but the staff too. I haven’t met a grouchy person yet!"