HW 34: Importance of Evening Tea

In the evening, most Iraqi families gather together for evening tea. "It's hardly as formal as it sounds... No matter how busy the day, everyone sits around in the living room, waiting for tea" (Riverbend 108) Riverbend goes on to explain the importance of tea in her culture. She states, that, "Iraqi tea isn't a simple matter of teacups and teabags. " (Riverbend 108) She says that it is an insult to serve "teabag tea" as she refers to it, because it speaks of a complete lack of appreciation for the valuable beverage. Having tea in her culture is a chance for everyone to slow down their day, and take time to talk and hangout with their families. It defines them and is what brings them together each and every day. It is part of their tradition and routines. In her post, Riverbend in a lot of detail, explains the process of making tea. What is very important is that this process is different for each family. Every family has their own, personal, way of making it.

"First a kettle of water is put on the burner to boil. Next, the boiling water and a certain amount of tealeaves are combined in a separate teapot and put on a low burner just until the tealeaves rise to the top and threaten to "boil over." Finally, the teapot is set on top of the tea kettle on a low burner and allowed to "hihder" or settle" (Riverbend 109)

One of the things they sell the most in their culture is tea. They sell it at the market and Riverbend recalls buying the tea. Then, with her family, she comes back and starts the process of making it. From there, they make the coffee before they start formal conversations. For her and her family, the tea is an event which brings her family together and is something they can look forward to each and every day. Also, every time they do sit down for tea, their is a different topic discussion so you look forward to it.