30th July, 2008: China’s Tea Culture Part One
China is the cradle of tea and the birthplace of tea appreciation, subjects refined and raised to the level of art by Lu Yu and even in these modern times there is still a distinct difference between drinking tea and tasting tea.
- As a sign of respect: In Chinese society, the younger generation always shows its respect to the older generation by offering a cup of tea. Inviting and paying for their elders to go to restaurants for tea is a traditional activity on holidays. In the past, people of lower rank served tea to higher-ranking people. Today, as Chinese society becomes more liberal, sometimes at home parents may pour a cup of tea for their children, or a boss may even pour tea for subordinates at restaurants. The lower ranking person should not expect the higher rank person to serve him or her tea in formal occasions, however.
- For a family gathering: Because of sons and daughters leaving home to work and get married, they may seldom visit their parents. As a result, parents may rarely meet their grandchildren. Going to restaurants and drinking tea, therefore, becomes an important activity for family gatherings. Every Sunday, Chinese restaurants are crowded, especially when people celebrate festivals. This phenomenon reflects Chinese family values.
- To apologize: In Chinese culture, people make serious apologies to others by pouring tea for them; for example, children serving tea to their parents as a sign of regret and submission.
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am |
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