Mint Tea Ceremony for Peace | Franco-British Friendship
Sep 28, 2024
The France Great Britain Association at the NANA1807 House
For a Mint Tea Ceremony for Peace
On Saturday 28 September at exactly 5pm, Maison NANA1807 had the great pleasure of welcoming members of the France Grande-Bretagne (FGB) association and their guests who had come straight from Peterborough for a Mint Tea for Peace ceremony. This event marked a new stage in the lasting friendship between Bourges and Peterborough, two twin towns since 1957.
The two associations, FGB and the Peterborough Anglo French Association (PAFA), have maintained close relations since 1975, nourished by annual exchanges during which members host each other and stay with locals. This tradition encourages enriching encounters and strengthens Franco-British bonds of friendship.
A Moment of Sharing at the NANA1807 House
During this visit, the NANA1807 House was the setting for a symbolic Mint Tea for Peace ceremony. This unique moment of conviviality allowed the French and English members to share an authentic intercultural experience. The tea, carefully prepared according to Moroccan traditions, is the very symbol of hospitality and respect for differences, values dear to our two communities.
Guests were able to appreciate not only the unique flavor of NANA1807 Mint Tea, but also the deep meaning of this gesture, celebrating peace and rapprochement between peoples. The initiative of NANA1807 House to register Mint Tea as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was also enthusiastically shared.
Mintealogy Workshop: Science, History and Benefits of Mint Tea
During this event, our guests had the chance to participate in a mini-workshop of Mintéalogie, a unique discipline developed by Maison NANA1807. This workshop allowed to explore the science, history and art of mint tea, while discovering its benefits for the body and mind.
We explained the ancient origin of mint tea, which dates back centuries to Moroccan and Berber traditions. Originally used for its digestive properties, this tea is also a symbol of hospitality and sharing in many cultures. Guests learned how mint tea is prepared according to a precise ritual, requiring the right measure of infusion, sugar and fresh mint, to produce this refreshing and soothing drink.
From a scientific perspective, we have addressed the benefits of polyphenols present in green tea, which act as powerful antioxidants. This blend thus creates a drink that is not only delicious, but also beneficial for general well-being.
This workshop offered our guests an immersive dive into the art of preparing and enjoying authentic Moroccan mint tea, while highlighting the importance of this ritual in promoting peace and conviviality.
Bonds that Perpetuate
The France-Great Britain Association of Cher organises weekly conferences and conversations throughout the year at the Maison des Associations in Bourges. These activities allow members to continue to build links between French and English cultures outside of official meetings.
A date has already been set for 2028, the year when Bourges will be the European Cultural Capital. On this occasion, the Maison NANA1807 invites partner associations to celebrate this historic milestone with a special Mint Tea ceremony for World Peace . This event will not only mark the friendship between Bourges and Peterborough, but also a contribution to world peace through a tradition that unites peoples.
Acknowledgments and Future
We would like to express our deep gratitude to the members of the France Great Britain Association and PAFA for their visit to the NANA1807 House. This moment of sharing around tea will remain etched in our memories and bears witness to the importance of preserving and strengthening relations between our two countries.
We look forward to future meetings and discussions in this spirit of friendship and peace.
