Elevenses: The British Tradition and Its Global Influence

The concept of elevenses, a light refreshment taken between breakfast and lunch, is deeply rooted in British culture. This tradition, while popular during certain decades, has evolved and spread to other parts of the world. In this article, we explore the history, significance, and current usage of elevenses, as well as its impact on other countries.

Historical Background of Elevenses

The term elevenses is not a creation of author J.R.R. Tolkien, but rather a common British term for a late morning tea or snack break. This practice is observed especially in the United Kingdom, where it is customary to take a break from morning activities to enjoy a light refreshment, typically tea or coffee paired with a sweet biscuit or cake.

Common Usage in the 1960s and 1970s

In the mid-20th century, elevenses were widely practiced, particularly among older generations in the UK. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was a common sight to see people stopping to enjoy a cup of tea and a sweet treat. However, the trend has since declined, making it a bit of an anachronism in modern times.

Current Usage and Flexibility

Despite its declining popularity, elevenses still exist in the UK, though it is less common to see it practiced in the same frequency as before. Traditionally, elevenses consists of a hot drink, such as tea or coffee, paired with either a sweet biscuit or a cake or pastry. Some individuals may opt to have a more extensive meal during this time, akin to brunch, but with a focus on lighter fare. Consuming breakfast, then elevenses, followed by lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and even supper is a notion that captures the flexibility of the concept.

Elevenses in Other Parts of the World

While elevenses is primarily associated with British culture, its influence has extended to other countries, particularly those with a historical ties to the British Empire. In Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, workers adopted the concept, adapting it to suit their later working day schedules, especially in industries such as railroad construction, meat-packing plants, and fabric mills.

In Greece, elevenses has a unique twist. The armed forces schedule includes a snack at 10:30, referred to as proariston, which means 'pre-lunch' since lunch is served at 13:30. Similarly, in educational settings, both summer camps and schools observe proariston for their students.

Spanish and Cultural Adaptations

In Spanish-speaking countries, the equivalent term for elevenses is once. Initially, the term once was associated with tea at 4 PM, which is now more commonly referred to as lightly musicue. The confusion about elevenses in Chile arising from the term 'eleven' is due to the British colonial influence, where British colonists brought this custom with them.

Interestingly, the term 'elevenses' found its way into Chilean culture and is now used to describe a late morning snack, akin to a mid-morning coffee break in the United States. This cultural adaptation demonstrates how the customs of one country can be integrated into another, influencing their daily routines and practices.

Insights from J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien, a secondary world literature author, mentioned elevenses in his works, such as The Lord of the Rings. Pippin's reference to elevenses in The Fellowship of the Ring reveals the tradition continues in the fictional world of Middle-earth, with hobbits dining on 'second breakfast' and performing various meals throughout the day.

Tolkien's use of elevenses reflects the notion that hobbits, like their human counterparts, have a diverse range of meals and snacks, which may seem redundant to some. However, the context provided by Tolkien suggests that the practice of taking breaks for food and refreshment, as a part of the daily routine, is deeply ingrained in the culture of the inhabitants of Middle-earth.

Conclusion

Elevenses, while facing a decline in popularity in the UK, remains an integral part of cultural and social practices in numerous countries. Its adaptability and influence on other nations highlight the power of traditional customs in shaping daily life and routines. Whether enjoyed in the UK, Chile, Greece, or other countries, elevenses continues to serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse cultural heritage that exists around the world.

Keywords: elevenses, tea break, brunch