The history of the chinese tea drinking ceremony

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Tea drinking was so important in ancient China that the Chinese regarded it as one of the seven daily necessities. Today, the Chinese consume tea regularly and use it both as medicine and as a cooking agent. The Chinese tea ceremony seems less common in modern China, but tea is still a significant beverage.

1. Tea Discovery Legend

   • Chinese legend holds that the Chinese emperor Yan Di consumed herbs in search of medicines and accidentally swallowed a poisonous herb. That emperor then consumed a drop of liquid from a tea tree and recovered from the poison. Tea later became associated with Chinese religion, especially among the monks that practiced Za-Zen meditation.

   Buddhism

   • In early China, tea was used as an herbal remedy in Buddhist monasteries. Chinese monks started to use tea as a way to show respect for nature, peace and calm. The monks believed that they could convey philosophical ideas through the tea ceremony. In 593, Japanese Buddhist monks traveling to China saw the Chinese tea ceremony and imported it to Japan, where it was adapted into Japanese culture.

   Tea Houses

   • Over time, tea began to be associated with enjoyment. Tea ceremonies became celebrations of emperors and family ancestors. Tea drinking became very significant during the Sung Dynasty between 960 and 1280, when beautiful tea houses appeared that served tea in carefully made teacups created from porcelain.

   Traditional Ceremony

   • During the Chinese tea ceremony, importance was placed on the person performing the ceremony. The performer had an attitude that reflected happiness and confidence. The tea used in the ceremony had a story behind it and a beautiful name. The tea was of high quality, with a good shape, taste and fragrance. The water was pure to not ruin the taste of the tea. The tea ceremony was performed in a clean, quiet and comfortable room with artwork that influenced the atmosphere.

     The Chinese tea ceremony placed great importance on the actual tea. Those participating in the ceremony discussed the aspects of the tea, such as how it tasted. Though the ambiance and attitude of the Chinese tea ceremony was important, the performer was not required to make and serve the tea in a specific physical way.

   Elder Respect

   • Younger generations show respect for older generations by providing them with tea and paying for the elder's tea at restaurants. The Chinese once had subordinates pour tea, but modern China tends to avoid hierarchies. Older Chinese men perform an old men's tea ceremony, where the men drink tea while conversing. In Chinese weddings, the bride and groom serve the parents tea as a sign of respect.

Source: www.ehow.com

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