The observe of consuming tea from a shallow, lipped dish, fairly than immediately from the cup, constitutes a particular technique of beverage consumption. This strategy permits for the speedy cooling of the liquid, making it palatable extra rapidly. An instance could be pouring scorching tea from a cup right into a saucer after which fastidiously sipping it from the sting.
Traditionally, this system was prevalent because of the excessive price and fragility of porcelain teacups, which regularly lacked handles of their early designs. The saucer supplied a handy strategy to handle and eat the new beverage with out burning oneself. This technique allowed people to take pleasure in their tea at an appropriate temperature, extending the length and social facet of tea-drinking events. The observe additionally mirrored a level of etiquette and refinement, notably in sure social circles.
