Is Drinking Tea “refined” or “common”?
“Refined” means elegant and sophisticated, while “common” refers to everyday, popular customs.
Tea was originally common, starting from medicinal use, then culinary use, and eventually evolving into the most beloved Drink of the Chinese people.
In its transmission, tea became refined through the praise of people.
People discovered that even among chaotic rocks, tea can take root and sprout, embodying resilience;
that tea needs to be steeped in hot water to release its sweetness, with the leaves rising and sinking like life itself;
and that drinking tea nourishes one, keeping the habit can make one's thoughts sharp and mind tranquil…
All these are qualities we aspire to have or enjoy experiencing, many of our better thoughts find solace in tea.
Thus, monks, scholars, officials, and imperial families of ancient times all sang praises of tea, promoted it, made good tea, and brewed it well.
The ritualistic aspect of tea-drinking gradually increased, making it a refined affair, giving rise to “Tea culture”.
In the past, when social hierarchy was strictly defined, only those of high status could drink tea in a refined manner, while others would do so in a simple, mundane way.
Today, in an era of equality where everyone deserves Respect, appreciating both the refined and the common is one of the joys of drinking tea.
It can be about music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea, or about firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, and tea.
When you have the time and mood, prepare your tea set and spend ten minutes brewing a pot of tea, or enjoy it at a teahouse or tea space. If you're short on time, just put some tea leaves in a cup and after five minutes, savor a refreshing and thirst-quenching cup of tea.
“Do you know how to drink tea?” This is a question often heard among tea enthusiasts.
In the view of CuppaTea, if you have taste buds and can discern flavors, you know how to drink tea.
Most people simply lack the professional jargon and don't know how to describe their experience. In reality, whether something tastes good and feels comfortable is something everyone can judge for themselves.
Selecting a tea that suits your palate is something anyone can do. If you are drawn to tea culture and wish to learn more, progressing to appreciate and evaluate teas, CuppaTea welcomes you to join us in this journey of learning.
The method of brewing tea can be elaborate or simple. If your economic conditions allow, you can choose better quality tea and a cup that you like, turning daily tea-drinking into a beautiful habit.
Whether refined or common, there's no need to force it. Follow your heart, seek contentment and happiness. Do you agree?
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