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Although I am 34 years old and my close friend is 40, the first thing we asked each other after Christmas was, “Wadja get?!” My friend specifically asked if I received any tea-related items from my family. As a matter of fact I did. Those who know me know that I am a tea geek. The word “geek” being used as an “enthusiast.” My daughter and I created the term Tea Punk. The word “punk” being used as “in your face.” Not that we go around throwing tea bags at people, but tea is not the cuppa from proper England anymore.
The recent Steampunksubculture and the rise in popularity of tea must have some kind of connection. Perhaps the formality of the Victorian world is comforting in this techno-crazy sped up universe we live in. The idea of tea cannot easily replace the grande-choco-coffee drink culture. I wouldn’t want it to. Tea is slow, subtle, and sentimental. It needs time to brew, the flavor differences can be elusive, and being the most favored drink in the world- it is revered.
However, like Steampunk, modern tea drinkers stir vintage lore with what we can’t live without- juxtaposition in a cup. Bloggers review blends, brands and books about tea. You can announce your tea love on a t-shirt. There’s a tea app, tea humor,tea labeled politics, tea in cartoons, quirky tea mugs,songs about tea, numerous facebook pages, even Lady Gaga is a tea enthusiast.
My initial foray into the tea world was through homeschooling my children. I enjoy taking history from different points of view instead of the usual political/war frames of reference. One year we studied the history of tea, which spans several continents and thousands of years of history. We kept up awebsite of the different activities we pursued, but our favorite part was simply trying all kinds of tea, usually in our favorite tea shop, The Good Leaf. The proprietor was very knowledgeable and was always happy to tell us all about the cup we were currently drinking. Unfortunately it closed this past summer, but remains steeped in our hearts…
Not only do I enjoy drinking tea and reading about its history, but I put it on my face. I made some tea lotions to give away for presents this year. Green tea is becoming a popular ingredient in store-bought lotions, but I made up new recipes. My favorite was the Earl Grey for guys, and the Vanilla Chai smelled lovely. I’m currently using the Lime Green tea for myself because it’s supposed to help with skin issues (haven’t outgrown those yet!)
I received some oolong, tisane (herbal), and a few different varieties of chai as presents this year. It’s so fun to try new flavors, especially on a cold day. The only problem I have is keeping the pot warm on the table. I’ve tried knitting a cozy twice now and failed miserably. I had hoped maybe I would get one for Christmas, but since I never mentioned it and I’ve stopped writing Santa letters, it didn’t happen. I’ll attempt another yarn project soon.
My friend and I chatted happily about our presents, still excited about unwrapping surprises. I would have shared a cup of my favorite tea gifts with her, but she only drinks decaf.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eELH0ivexKA[/youtube]
