—

Conveniently, it allows groups to have coffee somewhere else besides the table. A change of scenery

It dispenses with the need for large tables, because it takes up so little space and can be carried virtually anywhere convenient.

—with two hands, instead of one. To carry a hot cup of coffee with two hands is difficult and can cause burns or irritation.

—both good and bad

—come to mind as anecdotes I think the reader might appreciate, illustrating the fact that saucers are by no means frivolous or unimportant.

During the earliest months of my time as a traditionalist, while working a humble job, I took a cup of coffee to pass the time since there was no work to be done. The thought occurred to me naturally and organically: I think it is the same thought that inspired our Catholic forefathers centuries ago

—take your coffee and put a saucer under it. It will be more dignified and will set a better example of how a Catholic behaves in public. I did so, and although it was a bit difficult at first to carry the cup-and-saucer properly, I realised this was helping to spread a Catholic and counter-revolutionary spirit to my colleagues.

Dignified clergy and seminarians drinking coffee

In a similar way, during meetings with a priest I know, he was courteous to always offer me a cup of coffee during our conversations, and I always accepted. The priest edified me by always bringing the coffee on a saucer. This small gesture of hospitality set a cordial tone for our deliberations. I know this gesture is thoroughly Catholic in nature, because I have seen saucers employed at traditionalist conferences I've attended in the past, with hundreds in attendance, no doubt involving plenty of extra dishwashing. One conference comes to mind where several meetings

—sometimes three or four

—were held on a single day, and a 15 minute coffee break held between each meeting. Each time we adjourned, there were always tables filled with hot, freshly-washed coffee cups, saucers, and spoons, and veritable gallons of fresh coffee waiting in dispensers for the conference attendees, ever-desiring-refreshment.

Having described these experiences, what are some times that come to my mind where saucers were abandoned, and what are my opinions of these experiences?

First, I would say that although politesse can be employed even in the rudest of circumstances, to intentionally (or, habitually un-intentionally) neglect the saucer is to establish a whole new state of soul while drinking coffee. Repeated on a daily basis, this state of soul will translate into other areas of life

—mealtimes no doubt being the first casualty

—and eventually create in you and your ambiences a rustic, hillbilly mannerism. I know from experience as someone working to overcome these deficiencies in myself and my own household.

That said, without naming names, I can say many gatherings I've attended have been completely neo-barbarian. Foam or plastic plates and cutlery replace even rudimentary, non-plastic, alternatives. Metal thermoses and paper napkins; abuse of serving implements...the list goes on, and it is something you have to witness to believe. I have seen this spirit even at gatherings among traditionalists, such as a lunch party held a few months ago that I attended, where egalitarian, blockish and comically large mugs were used to serve coffee instead of the simple, refined, and not-much-more-expensive alternatives. It doesn't surprise me that the conversation turned to more disagreeable themes as a result.

Absurd and disproportionate

Even a "fine" (actually pretentious) restaurant I visited earlier this year surprised me when saucer-free coffee was served to my mother and I. What made it all the more ironic was the great efforts made at presentation: spotless china in all the courses, polished silver, grandiose presentations by the waiter on the "exotic" ingredients...and yet, neglecting the saucer proved the suspicions I had developed throughout the meal's increasingly-small courses: it was all a big, pretentious ruse, and a waste of money.





As I begin to close this article, I am reminded of an amusing story I know. Two traditionalist friends, a woman from America and a man from Brazil, went to a lunch meeting at a nice restaurant. Now, Brasilians have an entirely different temperament than the typical American: they are far more straightforward and frank. Thanks to the salutary influence of Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira, Brazil was also preserved from the Revolution in a way America was not. So it is funny to visualise what followed from the lips of the Brazilian counter-revolutionary: coffee was brought out sans saucer, and with the charming mock confusion, the man queried the waiter on the coffee cup lacking its proper seat: "Where is the bottom?"

An appeal to traditionalists: take up the saucer once more



There are few things more appalling or unnerving as hypocrisy. Of course, we all sin and have our dominant defects. However, there is no excuse for the "Sunday Catholic" who puts on a good façade : fine clothing, a smile, charm, piety —and then changes into his underwear as soon as he (or she!) gets home. In a similar way, it is appalling to think that there are some self-described traditionalists who, whether by ignorance or, heaven forbid, bad-will, do not make efforts to sanctify and elevate all aspects of their home life.



Thus, what else could I say to them, except: Use the saucer! Get rid of the egalitarian "mug" (for which there is no place except Oktoberfest) and obnoxious thermoses. Consider this: What sort of implements will we use to drink coffee at the Heavenly courts, in the presence of Our Lord and Lady? —Certainly not mugs or plastic things! So, if you find it unthinkable to do it in Heaven, and aren't bound by necessity or poverty to do otherwise here on earth, Why Do It?



Use the Saucer.



Posted 18 December 2018 There are few things more appalling or unnerving as hypocrisy. Of course, we all sin and have our dominant defects. However, there is no excuse for the "Sunday Catholic" who puts on a good: fine clothing, a smile, charm, pietyThus, what else could I say to them, except:Get rid of the egalitarian "mug" (for which there is no place except Oktoberfest) and obnoxious thermoses. Consider this:

Several experiences surrounding the drinking of coffeeIf I have not established beyond doubt that this use of the saucer is not a frivolity, but something necessary that reflects a Catholic state of soul, I have failed.