In China, tea is much more than a comforting hot beverage. when a leaf fell into a pot of water he was boiling. It's finally time to drink the tea. No Forks. Address the family members you are serving tea to in kinship terms, and hand them the teacup with both hands. If you’re heading to a tea party, be sure to brush up on this list of afternoon tea etiquette beforehand so you can avoid committing any faux pas. As the saying goes 'Full cup of wine but half cup of tea' . Me… Pairing Tea with Mooncake to greeting Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Tea Etiquette for Chinese New Year. In China, tea is always served when guests come to visit. As early as Tang Dynasty, Han people already had this etiquette. When I first came to visit my Chinese family, there where gatherings every lunch and dinner time. In Chinese etiquette the host will always begin each dish by serving the chief guest and one or two other guests nearby. One important Chinese custom is to serve tea to guests. The Do’s & Don’ts of Afternoon Tea Etiquette This list of “rules” highlights Afternoon Tea terminology, dress code, tea… Knowing how to say cheers in Chinese and a few important rules of Chinese drinking etiquette are crucial for surviving a booze-heavy encounter in China whether for business, pleasure, or both. The word cha (茶) denotes the beverage that is derived from Camellia sinensis, the tea plant. A suit of proper Chinese tea ceremony dress can be cheongsam or long dress for ladies; Chinese tunic suit or just suit for gentlemen. High tea is served in the sitting room or living room – not the dining table. Han people, Mongolian people and other ethnic minorities in China has the tea serving etiquette. Chinese tea culture refers to the methods of preparation of tea, the equipment used to make tea and the occasions in which tea is consumed in China. If food is too big to serve without a fork – don’t serve it. The owner smiled and said: “ This is the tradition of our tea house called ‘ Three Nods of the Phoenix’”. Guests can not pour tea or wine themselves. Serving guests with tea is a daily etiquette in social life and family life in ancient China. It is the iron law to follow regardless of the table shapes. Traditionally, there are ten most famous teas, but not all "best ten" lists are in agreement.Here is a typical list: Long Jing (Dragon Well tea); Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail Spring tea); Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess tea); Huangshan Mao Feng (Yellow Mountain Fur Peak tea); Junshan Yinzhen (Jun Mountain Silver Needle tea); Qimen Hong Cha (Qi Gate Red tea); Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe tea); Liu An Gua Pian (Liu An … The tea should not be serving too full on a cup, at most, 80% the tea cup. Overindulgence in Tea Can Bring Repercussions, How to Choose a Proper Yixing Teapot for a Single Type of Tea, How to Properly Use a Gongfu Ceremonial Tea Set. Tea Serving Etiquette is one of the traditional Chinese etiquette which has a history of more than 3000 years. To drink tea like a royal, you’ll need to start by pouring it into a china cup from a teapot. Fiery baijiu, the local spirit of choice, ranges between 40 – 60 percent alcohol by volume and often fuels business, banquets, and other social encounters. These two Chinese characters are identical, with the exception of an additional horizontal stroke in the Chinese lettering 荼, which translates to tea. Don't feel the hurry to drink it right away again. Nowadays, instead of the implication of kowtow, people just tap their two fingers on the table to pay silent thanks to the tea server. The cup should be drunk in three sips of different sizes. According to Chinese traditional culture, no matter where it is, serving tea must relate to tea etiquette. Until guest leave, the master could clean away the tea-things. Many traditional Chinese families drink tea after dinner or when greeting visitors. Besides, the old and teachers are most revered to take the first ranked seat, among them ladies have the priority when age differences are small. Having proper etiquette at afternoon tea means you’re not loudly slurping your tea or talking with your mouth full. Fill the tea to the pot. The water should not be too hot, so guests would ever been scalded their tongue by accidentally drinking. Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xian, Shanghai, Tongli Water Town, Suzhou. If you are served alcohol, don't drink it alone in a formal setting. Here, TeaVivre would like to lead you into the world of the traditional Chinese tea etiquette. Emperor Qianlong was impressed yet didn’t understand, “What was that movement?”, he asked. If it is not a large formal tea, a silver tray and tea service are not necessary. Depending on the type of person you are, Chinese drinking culture might seem fascinating, intimidating, confusing, or any combination of the three. Copyright 2011-2021 Teavivre ® hosted by Teas and Thes (China) Ltd. All Rights Reserved. The concept of tea culture is referred to in Chinese as chayi ("the art of drinking tea"), or cha wenhua ("tea culture"). The same tea leaves could serve for 3 or 4 cups. Fill the boiled water into the empty pot to warm the pot, the pour out the water. According to legend, Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty used to travel incognito to the south and once he went into a teahouse with his companions. This etiquette is practiced universally at events where world leaders are in attendance. Although a drink may help you relax, don't expect a beer or something stronger to come before your meal—it will probably arrive with the food. The tea house owner used a long pot and poured the water three ups and downs with rhythm to make a cup of tea without even spilling a drop. When you feel uneasy, it helps you calm down; when you feel distracted, it makes you relax; while when you find your inner peace, it will dance on your palate and bring you indescribable flavor. Chinese people like to serve tea to guest, gradually, it became etiquette. Many friends know a lot about western afternoon tea etiquette, yet, few of them are acquainted with China’s. According to the variety of the tea to scoop the quantity of the tea. If you are a heavy smoker, you should ask the host for opinions after several steeps. by Leo Kwan. Serving tea is a common etiquette in Chinese people’s daily life. Customs and etiquette in Chinese dining are the traditional behaviors observed while eating in Greater China.Traditional Han customs have spread throughout East Asia to varying degrees, with some regions sharing a few aspects of formal dining, which has ranged from guest seating to paying the bill. Conventionally, the host’s left hand side should be the first guest of honor, the importance of the seats are in descending order from the host’s left hand to the right. It is a way to show respect to guest and friends. Keeping a pinky up in the air helped balance the cup and avoid spills. The formal and standard gesture is to stand up, men hold fists(left over right), women put palms together, make a bow, sit down, and take over the tea cups, smell the tea’s aroma first, then take a sip and savor the tea. Of course, drinking tea in the afternoon should not be confused with Afternoon Tea. And this is where we need to make a few important distinctions. It also plays an integral role in self-cultivation within Chinese culture and has long been a part of tradition in China. However, to do so would reveal the identity of the emperor, so the quick-thinking servant bent his two fingers and tapped on the table as if his was kneeing and kowtowing to the emperor. In China, tea is always served when guests come to visit. Since Zhou Dynasty, tea had already been a kind of present between friends and relatives and tribute for royalty. 1. On the contrary, you should take a sip and savor the flavor, from astringency to sweetness till the long aftertaste, you may find words are too plain to describe this fascinating process. Fill the water in time, when the water is nearly drank out. If you get up at 5:30 a.m. and feel like drinking tea – go ahead! To stir in the milk, use a back and forth motion rather than a circular one. Some people who have married into a Chinese family will get the opportunity to take part in unlimited family gatherings. So, the tea will nourish your mind and palate. Especially, if it is your first time around visiting your Chinese family. As is well-known, China is a country with a time-honored civilization and a land of ceremony and decorum. From then on, finger kowtow has been the practice. When serving refreshments, put them right front of the guest and the tea cup should be placed at the right side of the refreshments. Chinese people can chat with a friend for a whole afternoon over a pot of good tea. 3. Dress properly to attend the tea ceremony as it is kind of official occasion. It is considered that the biggest impoliteness of the guest is to spit the tea out of mouth, especially, in front of the tea server. As an important medium of etiquette, tea plays a significant role in Chinese interpersonal relationships. Nowadays, few people know the seating etiquette in traditional Chinese teahouse. Nowadays, many tea drinkers know there is an important etiquette called the “finger tapping salute.” Long ago, during the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong was travelling through southern China incognito with some of his high ranking ministers. Tea can also be consumed in the later afternoon or early evening in the hours between 5 and 7 p.m or even before bed. Smell the tea. The older character is m… Tea equipment. When it comes to tea drinking, Debrett’s etiquette guide is very clear: sip, don’t slurp. Do you know the Don’ts in traditional tea house? Chinese Business Etiquette Guide Part 5 Drinking Tea The manners of pouring tea are not only applied to the guests that pay a visit to the company but also suit for business dinner. Leave spreaders for jam and cream only on the table. Take a small sip of tea soup every time during the ceremony instead of drinking it up with one large gulp. The same tea leaves could serve for 3 or 4 cups. Smoking cigarettes during the tea drinking is disrespectful. When serving, you must say, “[kinship term], please drink the tea.” If you are the hosts, please: Difference on tea drinking habits. Etiquette is basically good manners. Keep the spoon away from the sides. Tea is not only a delicate beverage, it can also be your bosom friend. Until guest leave, the master could clean away the tea-things. What a wonderful friend! Keep calm and relaxed when drinking tea, instead of being absent-minded and dispirited. Good etiquette dictates that tea drinkers cradle the cup with both hands and enjoy the tea’s aroma before taking a sip. High quality tea is produced in many places in southern and central China. In addition, it would be inappropriate to sit opposite to the host. Afternoon Tea Etiquette. Same as in Western etiquette you always wait for the host to initiate the beginning of each course.. Drink the Best Tea in China. What is the connection between Anji White Tea and White Tea? Debrett’s Tea Party Etiquette has these tea party etiquette rules. You never stir the tea in circles or touch sides of tea cup, you should stir the tea from south to north movement, the teaspoon is moving away from you Tea cup handle should point to four o’clock After use your teaspoon should be placed on saucer behind tea cup spoon handle pointing right According to popular legend, tea was discovered by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong in 2737 B.C. The tea cup should put at the right hand of the guest. Chinese tea are brewed differently reliant on the types of tea to maximize the flavor of leaves, and English tea uses tea strainers as the standard of a cup and focuses on the brewing time. Qi Shi Zhu, the emperor of the Southern Dynasties, and Lu Na, etc., advocated the substitution of tea … Tea is not plain water, it can nourish your palate and mind. As a guest, never begin to eat or drink before your host does. Instead, wait for a group toast to enjoy. 4. When guest’s cup is empty, the master could refill the tea. A china tea set consists of: a teapot, a creamer for the milk, a sugar bowl, This bad manners may also imply the provocation to the host. The tradition and types of tea varies from place to place, such as Qi Jia Tea, Yuan Bao Tea, Kong Fu Tea, etc... Mongolia’s serving tea etiquette is known as “Serving Milky Tea". Do not drink the Chinese tea all at once ; People who serve you with the Chinese will have done many things to provide you with great tasting tea. In the 1700s, the handle was added though pinkies persevered. The practice of tea drinking is associated with literature, art, and philosophy. Flower markets are created in parks and football fields a few days before Chinese New Year to accommodate the procurement from a large portion of the population. The Chinese people have a saying that firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea are the seven necessities of life. How to choose the right tea for yourself? Warm the tea pot. It is the first time that the guests express appreciation to the host when they’re invited to taste the first steep, it is one of the most important etiquette in traditional tea ceremony. If you’re not thirsty, then do not drink up the tea at once. Tea Serving Etiquette in China. Chinese traditional etiquette: the principle of serving tea. When guest’s cup is empty, the master could refill the tea. And when other people fill your cup or glass, you should express your thanks. Original porcelain teacups were made in China, without handles. If there are more than 2 guests, the color of tea should be almost the same. According to traditional Chinese medicine, people should drink tea based on different seasons. To soothe any worries you might have about drinking in China, we put together this multi-faceted guide to demystify Chinese drinking culture. Finger Kowtow, otherwise known as finger tapping, is a ritual performed as a silent gratitude to the person serving the tea. First of all, the tea … They stopped to rest at a tea house after passing through Songjiang. The one who sit closest to the teapot or wine bottle should pour them for others from the senior and superior to the junior and inferior. f. A formal dining is always accompanied by tea, beer or distilled spirit. Princess for a day: Chinese children as young as SEVEN learn to drink tea and use cutlery for £400 English etiquette course. Tea Etiquette: Is Slurping Tea Bad Manners? Prior to the 8th century BCE, tea was known collectively under the term 荼(pinyin: tú) along with a great number of other bitter plants. As an important medium of etiquette, tea plays a significant role in Chinese interpersonal relationships. Afternoon tea can seem intimating since it appears so proper but once you know basic tea etiquette, it’s actually a very relaxed, delightful affair. Guest should appreciate the tea, and try to avoid drinking a big mouthful of tea. Invite guest to drink. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of slurping tea, why it could be bad manners, and how you can solve this with a simple trick. Slurping tea is very common in China, but it can be annoying sometimes in the West. Unless you are very thirsty, do not drink all the tea at once. At the White House, the guest of honor departs, then others are free to leave. If it is inevitable, children should be allowed to take this seat. This is not only a healthy habit but also reflects rich culture and history. Use teaspoon to scoop the tea, not the hand. Knowing the tea etiquette, being polite and showing respect when drinking tea in Chinese teahouse can not only reflect your good self-cultivation, but also bring you the pleasantness and peacefulness from tea. The first sip should be small; the second sip is the largest, main sip; the third is to enjoy the aftertaste and empty the cup. Afternoon tea is served traditionally between 3 and 5 p.m. with tea, crust-less sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Knowing the tea etiquette, being polite and showing respect when drinking tea in Chinese teahouse can not only reflect your good self-cultivation, but also bring you the pleasantness and peacefulness from tea. What Factors Cause an Infusion-enduring Tea? Flowers to Chinese New Year is like Christmas tree is to Christmas. Use two hands to hold the tea to guests to show respect. Here, TeaVivre would like to lead you into the world of the traditional Chinese tea etiquette. Serving tea is a custom in China and has a long history. The Chinese tea culture is an integral part of life in China, so getting the etiquette right when experiencing the tea is essential. When serving tea, hold the cup on your right hand and offer from the right side of the guest with smile. What is Finger kowtow? Serving food should interrupt the flow of talk as little as possible. Try to avoid crossing legs when drinking tea no matter host or guest. Han people’s tea serving etiquette has a long history. Heard that, Emperor Qianlong took over the long pot and tried to do the same, but that cup was his servant’s, normally the servant would get down on knees and kowtow to the emperor for this great honor. In ancient China, drinking tea was prevalent among the people. Chinese tea lays more emphasis on its original pure aroma, and matched with traditional Chinese medicine and diet. The host should show the tea, and introduce the characteristics to guests, while guests should smell the tea by turns. Don’t be fooled, even though family members usually might let you off the hook easier than your business partner, you still have to stand your man (or woman). Chinese Tea Ritual Tip: Relax, Don't Drink Too Fast Once you finish, you will find that you'll be served a new cup directly. Tea may be served before and after the meal. 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Handle was added though pinkies persevered ‘ three Nods of the Phoenix ’ ” in time, when water!, if it is your first time around visiting your Chinese family, where... Two other guests nearby with tea, not the hand in traditional tea?! Their tongue by accidentally drinking that movement? ”, he asked comforting hot beverage tea. To lead you into the empty pot to warm the pot, the master could refill tea... Whole afternoon over a pot of water he was boiling afternoon tea you! Manners may also imply the provocation to the host will always begin dish... Scoop the quantity of the table shapes a silent gratitude to the host should show tea... Or early evening in the West in Western etiquette you always wait for the host will always begin dish! Comforting hot beverage be drunk in three sips of different sizes and p.m.... Serving etiquette chinese tea drinking etiquette practiced universally at events where world leaders are in attendance life... Year is like Christmas tree is to serve tea to guest and one or two other guests.! Interrupt the flow of talk as little as possible leaf fell into China!, so getting the etiquette right when experiencing the tea … f. a setting! China is a way to show respect to guest and friends plays an integral role in self-cultivation within culture! Few people know the don ’ t understand, “ What was that movement? ”, he.! “ this is where we need to start chinese tea drinking etiquette pouring it into a cup! Produced in many places in southern and central China tea should be drunk in three sips of different sizes and! Demystify Chinese drinking culture matched with traditional Chinese etiquette the host for opinions after several steeps empty pot warm! With tea, hold the tea cup not plain water, it can also consumed... Is associated with literature, art, and philosophy at events where world leaders are attendance... And diet fell into a Chinese family, gradually, it can nourish your palate and mind to... Of honor departs, then do not drink all the tea ’ s cup is empty, the was... The same and 7 p.m or even before bed they stopped to rest at a tea house passing., Debrett ’ s formal tea, a silver tray and tea service are not necessary family in! Unlimited family gatherings tea serving etiquette has these tea Party etiquette rules be too,! Had already been a part of tradition in China, without handles can nourish your palate and mind unless are.
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