The apply of consuming tea from a shallow, lipped dish, fairly than straight from the cup, constitutes a selected technique of beverage consumption. This strategy permits for the fast cooling of the liquid, making it palatable extra shortly. An instance can be pouring sizzling tea from a cup right into a saucer after which rigorously sipping it from the sting.
Traditionally, this method was prevalent as a result of excessive value and fragility of porcelain teacups, which regularly lacked handles of their early designs. The saucer supplied a handy technique to handle and devour the recent beverage with out burning oneself. This technique allowed people to get pleasure from their tea at an acceptable temperature, extending the period and social facet of tea-drinking events. The apply additionally mirrored a level of etiquette and refinement, significantly in sure social circles.
