Objects can civilize us

They cana make us behave differently and be aware of what we do. A cup isn't just for gettin liquid inside us. Take tea (of course tea). It started as a medicine and became a drink, in China first, five thousand years ago. By the 8th century, it had become very rarified (Imperial tea was harvested in the morning to the sound of drums and cymbals. The women wore silk gloves to pick it). For the Japanese, it expresses harmony and beauty, enhanced by the vessels that form part of the ritual. Literature, architecture and language have all been affected. Someone who is too aesthetic is describes as having too much tea in them, while those who lack sensitivity are described as having too little. In the west, the objects, the rituals are still seen as having part of the allure. Do you have enough tea in you?

Now take that mass of history and heritage and then read this. I dare you not to get annoyed.

Comments

[The Kaiser]

I love being dared.

[Rob]

Apart from the fact the link doesn't work - I hope you are not trying to provoke a holy 'hot beverage' war because by the great god of Nescafe, we will crush your martyrdom and ensure the only tea left is the one that stands between the letter S and U. Or something.

[This is teaming up to be a 'Best Beverage' battle, ala 'sausage' isn't it?]

[Northern]

Works now. And BOTH are brilliant. But BOTH should be treated with respect. Both have evolved over centuries - that's what makes BOTH great.
I speak for great tea AND great coffee.

[The Kaiser]

I love you BOTH.

[Rob]

This post should be on my blog - that's the place for mentaldom - yours is for far more clever and interesting things.

Except when you go to wrong hotels :)

[Rob Mortimer]

Yorkshire Tea, Green tea, Jasmine Tea, all good.

Coffee, not my thing.

Nice post though.

[Cleaver]

Not quite sure why you consider the idea of a Tea Latte insulting.

Absurd, yes. But offensive no.

Tea gets infinitely more respect in this country than coffee anyway.

It wasn't until I saw how the English make/murder espresso that i really understood "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference".

[Northern]

Yes, yes! Do it proper! But hold on, isn't the US version one of those pots on hot plate that stews for hours?
Or did I watch too much Cagney and Lacey?

[Cleaver]

I'm not sure that there is such a thing as too much Cagney & Lacey.

Don't know much about US coffee. I suspect it's bloody awful because that's where Starbucks comes from, but I'm aware that's not strong evidence.

I can, however, tell you where to get the most exquisite, lovingly crafted latte the next time you're in London: Flat White in Berwick Street, Soho.

1/3 syrupy espresso, extracted for no longer than 30 seconds to avoid even a hint of bitterness.

2/3 milk, steamed at below burning point to achieve a tight, glossy, velvety texture.

The closest a heathen like me comes to a religious experience.

[lauren]

top post NP! (which is what i will continue to call you)

firstly, flat white (and sacred) is fabulous and when in london, you should go there. failing that, go to italy to get espresso. (it's not THAT far)

secondly, i love the fact that you mention the architecture and object of ritual, especially when it comes to tea. there's a reason that teapots are some of the earliest objects found in archeological digs

[Helen]

What a beautiful post! Thanks NP

[The Kaiser]

Northern - your time has come:
http://tinyurl.com/2kxyq2

[Charles Frith]

I've just had to mention the Yorkshire Tea Latte's that Bread Talk do over at mine and I can say that if those flat capped and pidgeon fancying Northerners were ever outside their comfort zone for a few months without a PG Tip in sight they'd be lapping up the Lattes over here with much gusto.

The End.