.......Tea is central to cultural traditions around the world. Recently, we heard about venues opening up their doors to offer tea and biscuits to the public and what could be more ‘British’ than popping next door to the neighbours for a nice cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake! And a good old gossip of course!!!
But before tea arrived in Britain, it was a very important part of Chinese
tradition. In Chinese culture, tea
drinkers were considered to be elite and highly respected by society. Drinking tea was key to ones social status
and was important to demonstrate, ethics, morality and education. Which is why
serving tea became such an important part of Chinese social life. Just as the Brits love a natter over a cuppa,
so did the Chinese. They would go to tea houses , not just to quench their
thirst, but as a place to meet people and discuss literature, art, philosophy
and even religion.
It is such an important social tool, that today
in China, even the most simple dwelling has a tea set and a water heater for
making tea. Tea is a symbol of welcome to visitors and neighbours! If you ever
have the opportunity to visit a Chinese home you will be expected to sit down
and drink hot tea while talking. No standing over the garden fence!
Drinking tea is an art. It is also a sign of
respect to serve someone tea. The quality of the tea is judged by the colour,
fragrance, flavour, water quality and even the tea set. The ambience of the
venue is important as is the the infusing technique to provide harmony. And if
accompanied with a tea dessert, such as cakes, then the tea drinking ceremony is considered an even better
experience.
So, next time, if someone asks you out for a cup
of tea, remember it is an invitation to a gathering of people to share a
reverie of life.
