Afternoon tea意思

"Afternoon tea" is a British custom that involves a light meal typically eaten between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. It is also known as "low tea" or "cream tea." The tradition is said to have been introduced in England by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the early 19th century as a way to stave off hunger between lunch and dinner, which at the time were typically served late in the evening.

An afternoon tea typically includes a variety of items such as:

• Tea: Usually a black tea such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey, but can also include herbal or fruit teas.
• Sandwiches: Often finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, or ham and cheese.
• Scones: Served warm with clotted cream and jam.
• Cakes and pastries: Small cakes, tarts, or other sweet treats.
• Biscuits: Cookies or small savory biscuits.

The meal is usually served on a tiered stand, with the sandwiches on the bottom tier, scones on the middle tier, and cakes and pastries on the top tier. It is a social occasion, often accompanied by conversation and sometimes live music.

In some parts of the world, "afternoon tea" can also refer to a more casual or abbreviated version of this tradition, or it may be used more generally to mean any tea consumed in the afternoon.