"Tea time" Widely Taken in Former British Colonies

According to Wikipedia, the term "tea" is often used in countries that make up the former British Empire to express one of several different meals. In Africa, the concept of "afternoon tea" has declined in usage, but is still employed by the more upscale restaurants, cafes and hotels.

Many Australians and New Zealanders refer to the early evening meal as their "tea," though some will call it "dinner." The terms mean the same thing in these countries. "Tea" in these countries is a reflection of the term "high tea" in northern England, Scotland and Wales. During the workday, having a "tea break" or just having "tea" is equivalent to the North American "coffee break." "Morning smoko" is a slang term employed by tradesmen and builders that traditionally meant having a cup of tea, a light snack and a cigarette to follow.

In Guyana, "tea" refers to either breakfast or the traditional mid-afternoon meal. Guyana is a country rich with British customs. This is a country that enjoys cricket, and uses the term "tea" to correspond to the game's half time.

In Hong Kong, like Great Britain's "afternoon tea," the term tea refers to an afternoon's light meal that is served between the hours of 2 pm and 6 pm. More elaborate versions of this meal are often referred to as "high tea" by those living in Hong Kong.

In spite of its origins as a British colony, Canada does not have a well-defined tradition of tea time. The single exception can be found in Victoria, British Columbia, which is well known for its custom of afternoon tea.

In Great Britain, the custom of drinking tea originated in England, when Catherine of Braganza married Charles II in 1661 and brought with her the custom of drinking tea in the afternoon from Portugal.

Nowadays, however, because of changes in custom and working hours, most Britons will rarely take afternoon tea. "High tea" however, which corresponds to an early dinner, is still in use in that country.