The Sophian

Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: Features

One of the reasons Smith College has managed to stand apart from other similar institutions is its generous share of longstanding traditions. Lately, though, people have begun to discuss the relevance of one of these traditions in particular: afternoon tea.

As some houses begin to witness a decline in attendance and students raise questions concerning everything from the cultural connotations of this weekly event to the quality of the refreshments provided, the debate surrounding tea challenges the notion that Smith's unique customs are infallible.

According to College Archivist Nanci Young, the exact beginnings of afternoon tea at Smith are uncertain. While the precise dates and people involved cannot be determined, the evolution of tea offers a remarkable story. Young said that students initially gave teas in their rooms, which were supplemented by "care packages" courtesy of their loved ones. Classes also gave elaborately themed formal teas in the Alumnae Gymnasium on special occasions, and the heads of houses often held teas on weeknights. It was not until the 1950s that houses began holding their own afternoon teas on a weekly basis, now the standard practice.

Afternoon tea has changed with modern times. Today, healthy options such as fruits, vegetables and hummus are found alongside the traditional sugary fare, and each house caters to its residents' needs. For example, some houses have tea on Fridays and others on Sundays in order to accommodate hectic schedules, those of student-athletes in particular.

The introduction of healthy options in recent years is perhaps the most discussed aspect of tea among students and staff.

"Student response has been varied through the years," said Dining Services Director Kathy Zieja. " I often hear the terms, 'awesome tea,' and occasionally I will get complaints that we are serving 'leftovers' for tea, or we aren't making it special."

"I don't expect healthy food from tea, so I suppose I'm not disappointed when I find it's not healthy," said Naomi Barshi '12. "What can you expect? I think having more fresh vegetables and fruit would improve this. I don't think people would eat whole-grain cookies."

Others, however, are more critical of afternoon tea with regard to its nutritional and environmental implications. According to Janan Scott '13, tea time "can be a source of anxiety for people who struggle with food and negative body image."

Even for those not suffering from eating disorders, "the complete absence of nutritional value in what is often served doesn't reinforce wholesome eating habits and nutritional well-being," Scott added.

Continued...

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