Final answer:
Tea ceremonies can symbolically bind families together and reinforce cultural values through the involvement of grandmothers. They have historically been part of the daily lives of upper-class women and serve to increase self-confidence and empowerment among girls. Tea ceremonies also support positive community change by enhancing relationships and commitment of community leaders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tea ceremonies serve multiple purposes beyond allowing families to connect. In historical contexts, tea culture was a significant aspect, especially for women of the upper classes, becoming a part of their daily lives. An example can be seen in the works of Cassatt, who depicted such scenes in her paintings like The Cup of Tea.
Additionally, tea ceremonies can play symbolic roles. For instance, the exchange of gendered foods during these ceremonies can mirror a marriage ceremony, symbolically binding families together. Such practices also acknowledge and reinforce the influence of grandmothers in the community, highlighting their role in transmitting cultural values and supporting young girls.
Moreover, these gatherings can be strategic for enhancing relationships among women across generations, increasing girls' self-confidence and empowerment. It can also serve as a medium to empower community leaders and teachers via Grandmother-Teacher Workshops, which aim to combine the nurturing of cultural values and support for girls' holistic development (GHD) within the community.
Ultimately, tea ceremonies can be seen as an influential social institution that promotes positive change for girls and women within their communities and operates as an important tool for cultural transmission and social stratification.