Curriculum Materials: Art in America
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Image 5 Paul Revere Questions: |
Tea
Tea originated in China and was introduced to Europe in the early 17th century. Colonists brought tea with them to North America, and the beverage appeared for sale in New England as early as 1690. By the mid-18th century, tea was the most popular social drink of European Americans.
Because tea was very expensive, the ability to buy and serve it signaled one's status and hospitality. Tradition (especially English tradition) called for certain procedures and etiquette when serving tea. The most important woman of a household was expected to make the tea and pour it, and her guests were expected to handle a teacup adeptly and gracefully and to make lively conversation. Silversmiths produced specialized implements for brewing and serving tea.
Tea is indissolubly linked to the events of the American
Revolution. Protesting unfair taxation, in 1773 colonists
boarded East India Company ships moored in Boston harbor and
dumped tea overboard. This incident became known as the
Boston Tea Party.
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