Jackson Reed
The idea of a second breakfast is often associated with J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, where hobbits are said to eat six meals a day. However, second breakfast is also a real meal enjoyed in parts of Central Europe, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bavaria. In these countries, the second breakfast typically consists of meats, pastries, and coffee, and it is served around 10 am. While the UK does not have a direct equivalent to the second breakfast, it does have a similar tradition called elevenses, which is also referenced in Tolkien's work.
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What You'll Learn
- Second breakfast is a traditional meal in parts of Central Europe
- In the UK, elevenses is similar to second breakfast
- Second breakfast is also called morning tea or afternoon tea in Australia
- In the US, second breakfast is eaten on farms and in some states
- Second breakfast is referenced in literature and film
Second breakfast is a traditional meal in parts of Central Europe
The tradition of second breakfast is also mentioned in literary works such as Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain" and "Buddenbrooks," where references are made to second and even third breakfasts.
In some parts of Central Europe, the number of meals consumed during the day can vary, with some people opting for a light breakfast and a second breakfast, while others prefer a hearty lunch and dinner. This tradition is often influenced by the schedule of agriculture, as seen in the example of farmers who rise early to tend to their animals and chores. They might have a small "first breakfast" and then a heartier second breakfast after completing their initial tasks.
While the term "second breakfast" may not be universally used, the concept of a mid-morning meal is known in various cultures, with different names such as "morning tea" or "afternoon tea."
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In the UK, elevenses is similar to second breakfast
In the UK, elevenses is a meal or snack taken at around 11 am, and it is similar to the concept of second breakfast. While the UK does not traditionally have a culture of second breakfast, elevenses serves a similar purpose.
Second breakfast is a traditional meal in parts of Central Europe, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bavaria. It typically consists of meats, pastries, and coffee, and is consumed a few hours after a light early morning meal. In some rural areas, farmers who need to start work very early will have a small first breakfast, such as coffee and toast, and then a larger second breakfast after their initial chores are done.
Elevenses in the UK is not as structured or consistent as second breakfast in Central Europe, but it serves a similar purpose. It is a light meal or snack taken in the late morning, often consisting of tea or coffee and a small pastry or biscuit. It is a time to take a break and socialise, and can be an important part of the day for many people.
In popular culture, second breakfast has been referenced in literature and film, including in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", where hobbits are described as eating six meals a day. It has also been mentioned in Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park", Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain" and "Buddenbrooks", and in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of "The Fellowship of the Ring".
While the term "second breakfast" may not be commonly used in the UK, the concept of a mid-morning meal is certainly present in the form of elevenses. This meal helps people get through the morning, especially if they have an early breakfast or a long wait until lunch. Elevenses is a time to take a break, socialise, and enjoy a small treat before carrying on with the day.
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Second breakfast is also called morning tea or afternoon tea in Australia
Second breakfast is a traditional meal in parts of Central Europe, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bavaria. It usually consists of meats and pastries, accompanied by coffee. In the UK, the term 'elevenses' is used to refer to a similar meal, which is eaten around 10 am.
In Australia, the concept of second breakfast is known as 'morning tea' or 'afternoon tea'. These terms refer to breaks from work or school taken in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon, respectively, and may or may not involve drinking tea. Tea as a meal is associated with the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, including Australia.
The use of the term 'tea' can vary based on social class, and it can refer to a light meal or snack. In Australia, 'tea' can also refer to the main evening meal, rather than 'dinner' or 'supper'. Afternoon tea in Australia may include traditional, modern, or novel items, sometimes flavoured with local ingredients.
The timing of the 'tea' meal has evolved over the centuries, influenced by the changing timing of the main meal, dinner. By the end of the 19th century, afternoon tea was adopted by the upper and middle classes and became ubiquitous.
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In the US, second breakfast is eaten on farms and in some states
In the United States, the concept of a second breakfast has been around for a while. It is a meal that is typically eaten around 10 am, after the first breakfast, which is usually a light meal.
Second breakfast is more common in certain states and among people with specific professions. For example, in Iowa, farmers have been known to eat an early morning breakfast at five, followed by an additional meal in the field (like sandwiches) around ten and then "dinner" at two in the afternoon. This tradition is said to have originated in the Netherlands or Germany. Similarly, in a 1916 article in "Good Food Habits," the author mentions that people who eat an early breakfast are likely to eat a second breakfast and then opt for a moderate lunch or a light dinner.
In a 1973 article in the New York Times, Israel Shenker writes about how the Hugheses, an upper-class family, would have two breakfasts, with the second one arriving just ten minutes after the first. In another New York Times article from 2001, Jill Knight Weinberger talks about how a second breakfast allows her to refuel after having just a light first breakfast of coffee and toast.
The second breakfast is also provided to school children in the US as studies have shown that it improves learning outcomes. Furthermore, according to a 2019 survey by OnePoll, 62% of the 2,000 respondents believe that second breakfast should be officially recognized as a meal, with 70% of them saying they feel more energized after having a second breakfast.
Overall, while not everyone in the US partakes in the tradition of a second breakfast, it is certainly a practice that is observed and enjoyed by many, especially in certain states and professions.
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Second breakfast is referenced in literature and film
Second breakfast is a traditional meal in parts of Central Europe, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bavaria. It typically consists of coffee, meats, and pastries. In Hungary and Slovakia, the second breakfast is eaten around 10 am, and the word for it in these languages means "snack at 10". In Poland, it usually consists of sandwiches, pastries, or light dessert-type dishes. In Bavaria, special dishes are made exclusively to be eaten during the second breakfast, such as the Weißwurst sausage.
The concept of second breakfast is referenced in literature and film, including:
Literature
Second breakfast is mentioned in Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" and J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit". In "The Hobbit", the protagonist Bilbo Baggins eats a second breakfast, and in the preface to its sequel, "The Lord of the Rings", Tolkien mentions that hobbits prefer to eat six meals a day. This has been referenced in the film adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings", where the hobbits express their desire for a second breakfast.
Film
In the 2001 film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", the character Peregrin "Pippin" Took asks about having a second breakfast while travelling from Bree to Rivendell. This has become a memorable scene for fans of the franchise and has contributed to the popularization of the concept of second breakfast.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, second breakfast is a thing in the UK. It is similar to the concept of elevenses, which is a British tradition.
A second breakfast is a light meal taken late in the morning or early afternoon. It usually consists of snacks like sandwiches, pastries, or light desserts.
Second breakfast is typically eaten around 10-11 am.
