The custom of evening tea is very important to most Iraqi families. In a October 18th, 2003 blog published in her book entitled Baghdad Burning, author Riverbend states that, "no matter how busy the day, everyone sits around in the living room, waiting for tea." This gathering usually occurs daily for most families and the exact process of making the tea differs from family to family. However, in Iraq, "teabag tea" is considered a low-end, non-respectable tea. If a family were to serve teabag tea as opposed to blending the leave mixture and water beforehand, the servers "risk scorn and disdain" because a teabag blend is an insult to experienced tea connoisseurs (Riverbend).
If the tea is made correctly, the gathering becomes a center for conversation within the family and a board for discussion, if any problems were to arise. I believe that this break in the day that Iraqi families take is vital. It brings families close, it builds networks, and it can definitely help in educating children within the family of the world around them.
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