Tea and coffee have been part and parcel of the Quakers way of life for centuries. Since the inception of the movement in the 17th Century, Quakers have been known to enjoy the ceremony of taking tea or coffee together, following the testimony of simplicity. While their practice of taking tea and coffee together is long standing, one may question if this is a requirement for all Quakers or is it just a singular practice?
For starters, Quakers or the “Society of Friends”, is a Protestant Christian denomination that follows a set of spiritual principles, which includes a commitment to simplicity, justice, equality and peace. Founded by George Fox in England during the mid-1600s, Quakers held their first religious gathering (which was later known as a “meeting”) in 1668. Following the teachings of Fox, Quakers were known to observe the spiritual council of life, which extends to include the manner in which they should partake of refreshments such as tea and coffee.
As it pertains to the drinking of tea and coffee, Jeremiah Burrough, who was one of the early Friends and journal keeper of the meeting, wrote that “every friend has their testimony”, which can refer to their personal feelings and interpretations of the Quaker testimony. Further truth can be found in historian Elizabeth Harris’ research paper The Drinking of Tea, Coffee and Chocolate among the Quakers. Harris defines tea and coffee “as a spiritual moment, the silence and the sharing of words being a communal gathering of shared thought.” Essentially, it is not just the taking of tea and coffee that is important, but it is the importance of the spirit and intention of the meeting that carries the value of the tradition.
Certainly each Quaker will have their own individual practice, depending on their spiritual understanding. As we can observe the spiritual discipline of “gathering for refreshment” continues to play an important part in Quaker culture. There is an emphasis on the depth of the practice, which is more centered on finding inner peace through simplicity and taking chances to connect with one another more deeply.
For some people, drinking tea and coffee also provides a way in which to express a certain degree of reverence and respect for members of the community. This is often done through the formal ceremony of taking tea or coffee together. Historically, taking tea in most Asian cultures is considered a sign of respect and care, and similarly, we may consider the same when it comes to drinking tea and coffee in the Quaker community.
Though there is no explicit rule stating that all Quakers must drink tea and coffee, there is a shared understanding amongst Quakers that the formal ceremony of drinking tea and coffee together is a way of showing respect to one another. In this sense, one may still partake of the Quaker way of life, even if tea and coffee are not involved.
Quaker Practice of Simplicity
The very core of the Quaker’s belief is grounded in practicing simplicity and finding ways to reduce the complexities of life. In that light, drinking tea and coffee together can be seen as a way to come together and bond as a community. The tradition is a way of creating a safe space for honest and open dialogue and expressions between one another. This shared experience encourages the growth of deeper friendships, understanding and trust.
At the heart of it, the practice of drinking tea and coffee together is an attempt to adopt an attitude of openness and hospitality towards others. This can be seen as a way to honor the other’s commitment to simplicity and promote mutual respect. The moving silence of the gathering and the care for one another can be very powerful in strengthening the bonds between individuals, which can ultimately lead to a healthier and more peaceful community.
Typically, it is believed that experiencing the sense of community and togetherness brought about by a shared cup of tea or coffee, is a way of fast-tracking fellowship and inter-relations. As explained by one of the Quakers at Woodbrooke, a Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, England, “we are not talking but sharing – a non-verbal understanding.” This non-verbal understanding is an aspect of communication that is very hard to achieve verbally and as such, it is an essential part of the Quaker’s practice of simplicity.
Quaker Views on Tea and Coffee
The Quakers’ stance on tea and coffee is generally quite neutral. Quakers do not necessarily prohibit the consumption of either drink; however, there can be some debates about whether it is necessary to consist of it in the religious sense. Generally, however, the Quakers believe that it is important to incorporate both tea and coffee into their way of life. In this way, the consumption of both beverages serves as a reminder to them of their spiritual commitment to simplicity, compassion and open communication. In practice, drinking tea or coffee together allows for a space to connect in a meaningful manner and share in the spiritual process.
The Quakers have their own way of interpreting the spiritual significance of taking tea and coffee together. When Quakers drink tea or coffee together, they are reminded of the simplicity of the Quaker way of life and their spiritual commitment to togetherness. It is a way of coming together as a community, to share, commune, and practice spiritual togetherness in a sincere manner.
It should be noted that Quakers have no standard on drinking tea and coffee and it is up to individuals to decide what they feel is spiritually appropriate for them. Whilst it may be strange to some, having tea or coffee together is a practice that brings Quakers together and is an important part of their religious culture and identity.
Insights and Analysis
For centuries, Quaker tea and coffee ceremonies have been an important part of the Quaker way of life. While there is no strict rule dictating that all Quakers must drink tea and coffee, it is seen as an important part of their spiritual commitment to simplicity and sharing. From this we can deduce that the practice of drinking tea and coffee together is not only crucial to the spiritual practice of the Quakers, but also to their socializing.
The tea and coffee ceremony can also be seen as an expression of respect and gratitude to one’s fellow Quaker. By upholding this tradition, the ceremony of taking tea or coffee together enlarges the individuals’ spiritual practice and encourages an openness and solidarity in the Quaker community. Additionally, it serves as an ever-present reminder of the Quaker ethos.
As such, we may conclude that the practice of taking tea and coffee together is invaluable for Quakers, however it is very much up to individual practitioners to decide what is spiritually appropriate for them. Additionally, it should be noted that tea and coffee can be substituted with other food and beverages and the spiritual essence of the Quakers’ testimonies will still remain.
Differences between Tea and Coffee Drinking
The culture of drinking tea, or “Cha-no-yu”, dates back in Japan to the fifteenth century. The emphasis of the ritual is on the contemplation of the present moment. Tea and coffee are two very different drinks, both nutritionally and culturally, and the drinking of these hot beverages can have an entirely different effect on the spirit.
Historically, drinking tea has been a calming and centering experience. It is believed that tea can aid in relaxation and mental focus, encourage introspection, and can be a helpful aid to meditation. Coffee on the other hand, is seen as an energizing drink and is associated with increased alertness and stimulating conversation, encouraging greater interactivity between friends or Quakers.
Generally speaking, tea and coffee are meant to be enjoyed and savored as an enjoyable experience and a way of interfacing with one another. For Quakers, it also serves as a reminder of their spiritual commitments to simplicity and togetherness. As such, the differences between tea and coffee should be taken into account when deciding which to use in a Quaker gathering.
The Quaker Way of Life
The Quaker way of life is rooted in an unwavering commitment to peace, simplicity, and a deep respect for one another. Taking tea and coffee together is an essential practice in the Quaker way of life, however in some cases there may be alternatives for Quakers to choose from.
For instance, as mentioned previously, tea and coffee are known to serve different purposes. Tea is believed to be calming whereas coffee is believed to be energizing. For this reason, some may choose to drink tea for calming purposes, whereas others may choose to drink coffee for stimulating purposes. There are other drinks such as hot water, herbal infusion, wine, water kefir, fermented tea and the like, which can be used as alternatives in Quaker gatherings.
At the end of the day, the choice of whether to drink tea or coffee together is really up to the individual’s spiritual understanding and personal preference. Even though some find it refreshing and calming to share tea and coffee with Quakers, it is not necessary a requirement to partake of this practice in order to be a part of the Quaker community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Quakers have had a long and lasting relationship with tea and coffee. The drinking of tea and coffee together is an essential part of the Quaker practice of simplicity and togetherness. While there is no strict rule dictating that Quakers must drink tea and coffee, this practice serves as a reminder of their spiritual commitment to reuniting through simplicity and respecting each other as brothers and sisters. Additionally, alternatives can be chosen, depending on the individual’s spiritual understanding and personal preference.
