Oranges from Japan became a Christmas tradition in the USA and Canada from the1880s onwards when Japanese immigrants began receiving the fruit as a New Year gift from back home. The mandarins were harvested in November (often after the first snowfall) and were shipped by sea across the Pacific and then by train throughout the continent, so their arrival always presaged the start of the holiday season in North America and became synonymous with Christmas. They eventually came to be standard issue in Christmas stockings in Britain and Europe as well.
The tea probably was Chinese leaf, most likely Keemun (black tea) and may well have been Earl Grey's blend, which, fittingly, derives its distinctive aroma from being flavoured with Oil of Bergamot - itself derived from the peel of the Bergamot orange, grown in Italy. Earl Grey's tea (which happens to be a personal favourite) was also the perfect accompaniment for such recreational activities as chasing smoke-rings and the touching of perfect bodies with minds.
And so to this first new poem of the New Year...
Written In The Leaves
Black china tea
in blue china bowls,
pure water poured
with ceremony.
Vapours arise,
an essence is perceived,
senses reel
with intimations of immorality.
Black fathomed soul,
blue-eyed infidelity,
pure feeling scorned
with immunity.
Oranges remain unpeeled.
Thanks for reading. Have a great week, S ;-) Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
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