Etiquette

In Chinese culture, tea has always held a high status, being not only an indispensable drink in people's daily lives but also rich in cultural connotations. Among the many customs and etiquettes of tea culture, one includes not pouring tea full to the brim. At first glance, this may seem puzzling. Pouring tea is simply pouring tea into a cup, so why not fill it up? In fact, behind the custom of not pouring tea full to the brim, there lies profound cultural significance and practical reasons. "Seven-Tenths Full" in Tea Ceremonies In traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, tea is usually poured to seven-tenths full. This practice embodies the Confucian doctrine of the mean, which advocates not striving for excess and leaving room for more. Pouring tea to seven-tenths full not only prevents spillage that could scald guests or soil the tea table but also shows respect and consideration for guests. Leaving "Three-Tenths for Sentiment" The saying "Pour tea to seven-tenths full, leaving three-tenths for sentiment" reveals another reason for leaving some space when pouring tea. The remaining part symbolizes the host's care and expectations for their guests, hoping they will engage in more communication and sharing while enjoying the tea.…

Introduction: Okinawa, originally named Ryukyu, was a vassal state of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The name "Ryukyu" was given to the archipelago by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty. Historically, Ryukyu maintained close cultural exchanges and maritime trade with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. Nearly transparent Okinawan sea In the mid-17th century, after the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, the Qing dynasty became the ruler of China. In its relations with Ryukyu, the Qing dynasty continued the tributary system established by the Ming dynasty. With the increasing frequency of exchanges between Qing China and Ryukyu, the method of infused tea preparation also spread from Fujian to Ryukyu and became popular there in the early 18th century. The 18th-century Gongfu tea drinking methods and utensils that were transmitted from Fujian to Ryukyu have since become the basic model for Ryukyu Infused Tea. In 1718 (57th year of the Kangxi era), Xu Baoguang traveled to Ryukyu as a vice envoy for the investiture mission. Due to typhoon weather, he stayed in Ryukyu for nearly a year before returning to China. During his stay, he extensively researched local customs and social conditions, leaving behind the…

Tang Dynasty tea utensils During the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, people across the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, made drinking tea a part of daily life. It was during this time that tea culture developed and the production of tea utensils entered an upward trajectory. This stimulated the production of Tang Dynasty ceramics, and places that produced tea also promoted the development of local kilns. Yuezhou, Shouzhou, Wuzhou, and Qiongzhou were all known for both abundant tea and ceramic production. Due to differences in social status, people's pursuit of the use value and cultural value of tea utensils varied. The imperial court favored luxurious utensils made of gold, silver, jade, and other precious materials. Commoners, on the other hand, preferred utensils that were economical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, mainly using ceramic tea sets. Tea Bowls According to archaeological records, Tang Dynasty porcelain bowls have been unearthed in many regions across the country. Although these bowls from different kilns had distinct regional characteristics, they shared one common feature: they all produced wide-mouthed bowls with slim bases and a flat bottom resembling a jade disc. In "The Classic of Tea – Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu…

In the long-standing tea culture, the concept of "welcoming guests with tea, valuing harmony, and prioritizing purity" has always been central, carrying profound humanistic connotations and etiquette norms. Tea tasting is far from simply placing tea leaves in a cup and pouring hot water over them. The requirement for "purity" is an essential part of the process of tea tasting. To truly achieve the realm of tea tasting, one must have a clean environment, clean utensils, pure tea, and pure water. This word "pure" is the fundamental premise and core element of tea tasting. Before welcoming esteemed guests, meticulous preparatory cleaning is particularly critical. Before the guest steps into the tea room, the entire space should undergo a thorough and detailed cleaning. Every piece of tea ware must be ensured to be free of stains and water marks, presenting an immaculate state inside and out. This not only provides a visually clean and tidy impression but also has strict requirements in terms of olfactory experience. Opening windows in advance to ventilate and introduce fresh, pleasant air creates a pure and comfortable atmosphere. During this process, it is not recommended to spray chemical products like air fresheners, as these may interfere…

Instructor Introduction Wang Lin Wang Lin is a teacher at Ziyang Vocational Education Center in Shaanxi Province, an outstanding instructor in the Shaanxi Provincial Secondary Vocational Skills Competition, and a top teacher at the municipal level in Ankang. She is also a national-level tea-tasting technician and tea art technician, as well as a senior etiquette trainer certified by the China Vocational Training Association. Wang has won third place in the national skills competition for teachers, first place in the Shaanxi Provincial skills competition for teachers, and first place in the Shaanxi Provincial secondary vocational school micro-course competition. Selection of Tea Utensils 01 Fusion of Tea, Water, and Fire "Tea is nourished by water, water is given form through vessels, and the infusion is completed with fire. All four are essential and cannot be absent." The importance of tea utensils was mentioned by tea lover Xu Chishu in his work "Tea Notes" as early as the Ming Dynasty. From this, we can see that choosing the right utensil to brew good tea is very important, as the correct choice often enhances the nature of the tea; conversely, it can alter the taste of the tea. Advantages of Glass Cups and Covered…

Recently, the "Tea Revitalizes Agriculture" practice team from the School of Economics and Law at Chaohu University conducted a rural revitalization field research in Huoshan County, Lu'an City, promoting rural revitalization within the context of tea culture. During the research, team members wore uniform attire and carried small baskets to personally experience the daily work of tea farmers. Under the guidance of experienced tea farmers, the team not only quickly mastered basic tea-picking skills but also gained an understanding of the inheritance and development of tea-making techniques, an intangible cultural heritage. Everyone agreed that they should inherit and promote Chinese tea culture, allowing more people to understand tea etiquette, pass on tea virtues, experience the charm of tea culture, and deeply appreciate this gift from nature. Additionally, the practice team utilized new media platforms to promote the spread of Huoshan's tea culture through live streaming, increasing publicity and promotional efforts. This aims to bring Huoshan's teas and its red culture out of the mountains and into the national and global markets, achieving the goal of transforming tea mountains into gold mines.

Tea, a miraculous beverage from the ancient East, is like an invisible yet delicate and resilient thread woven deeply into the fabric of Chinese life, becoming an indispensable part of daily routines. It is more than just a liquid to quench thirst; it is a unique and profound cultural symbol, a vivid embodiment of elegant and refined living aesthetics. Tea grows in the embrace of nature, quietly sprouting among green mountains and clear waters. Drawing nourishment from the earth, basking in sunlight and dew, it absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, embodying the flavor of nature. Each leaf is a gift from nature, carrying the scent of the forest and the stories of the seasons. Then, through the skilled hands of craftsmen and the refinement of fire, the tea undergoes processes such as fixation, rolling, and roasting, blending the aroma and essence bestowed by nature with the craftsmanship of humanity. Tea is also a significant carrier of cultural heritage. Throughout China's millennia-long history, tea culture has been passed down through generations. Within a cup of light tea broth lies the spirit of etiquette, harmony, and restraint that characterizes the Chinese nation. Tea rituals showcase respect and humility between people;…

Chinese people love to serve tea to their guests. Serving tea upon entry has three meanings: first, it shows the host's respect for the guest, as there is a sense of courtesy in the tea; second, it demonstrates the host's hospitality, with the friendship between host and guest and the goodwill towards the guest all contained in this cup of tea; third, it helps to adjust the atmosphere so that neither the host nor the guest feels awkward or constrained. Serving and drinking tea actually carries a psychological aspect of mutual communication. Etiquette comes first in everything, and serving tea to guests is no exception. How should teacups and teapot be placed? 1. The process of placing the teapot and cups should be orderly, balanced left and right, and unobstructed as much as possible; 2. If there must be an obstruction, arrange items from lowest to highest, placing shorter items like cups in front of the guest's line of sight; 3. To show respect to the guest, the spout of the teapot should not face the guest, and any patterns on the teapot and cups should be directed towards the guest, placed neatly. The teapot spout should not face the…

Why do many people like to brew tea with a gaiwan? A gaiwan, as the name suggests, is a teacup with a lid. Most of the gaiwans we see today typically consist of three parts: the lid, the teacup, and the saucer. These three parts are metaphorically referred to as heaven, earth, and human, hence the gaiwan is also known as the Three Talents Cup representing harmony among heaven, earth, and humanity. Benefits of Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan One, a gaiwan is suitable for brewing any type of tea. There is no tea that cannot be brewed with a gaiwan, unlike a glass cup which is only suitable for green tea and not other teas. Purple clay teapots are not ideal for brewing green tea or oolong tea. Additionally, due to the double-pore structure of purple clay teapots, they tend to absorb the flavor of the tea, so if you enjoy drinking a variety of teas, you would need a different teapot for each one. On the other hand, if you use a gaiwan, the porcelain does not absorb flavors. With just one gaiwan at home, you can adjust the brewing process slightly according to the nature of the…

Abstract: The origin and development of ancient tea culture is an integral part of Chinese tea culture, carrying rich historical connotations and cultural significance, adding a vibrant stroke to the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation. At the same time, ancient tea culture provides valuable insights for the development of modern tea culture, allowing us to appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture while savoring the aroma of tea. This article analyzes the historical origins, characteristics of varieties, cultivation techniques, cultural aesthetics, application development, and communication of Chinese tea, illustrating its millennium heritage and contemporary appeal. (Note: Written from a personal perspective; April 2024.) Keywords: Chinese tea; heritage; charm I. Historical Origins of Chinese Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Ancient Tea Culture The origins of Chinese tea culture can be traced back thousands of years, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural essence forming an important component of the Chinese national spirit. Historical records show that tea was used as a beverage as early as the era of Shen Nong, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Lu Yu's "Classic of Tea," written during the Tang Dynasty, is the earliest, most complete, and most comprehensive treatise on tea,…

Often when watching others brew tea, you'll see them first scald the pot with hot water before adding the tea leaves. There's a term for this action in the trade known as “warming the pot.” Scalding the tea utensils with boiling water not only ensures hygiene but also serves a practical purpose. Warming the cups and pots is a habitual action that most people perform before brewing tea – even after cleaning the utensils, they are rinsed again with boiling water. Many believe that this ceremonial gesture disinfects the tea ware, making it more hygienic to drink from, and raises the temperature of the utensils, which improves the taste of the tea. However, few delve deeper into the underlying reasons. What other significant effects does warming the cups and pots have? I. Public Cleaning, Demonstrating Etiquette If we say that warming the cups and pots is for cleaning the tea ware, it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Tea is clean by nature, and thus requires a clean and hygienic environment and utensils. Before the tea ware is placed on the table, it should naturally be cleaned beforehand; why would one need to clean it again? The action of warming the…

Tea is not merely a beverage, but also a way of life and a sanctuary for the soul. When we lift a cup of fragrant tea to our lips and savor it gently, we are not only tasting the flavor of the tea, but also feeling the warmth of life and understanding the wisdom of existence. Drinking tea is an appreciation of its beauty and an artistic expression of life. It is a medium of etiquette that elevates life through tea and a lifestyle that cultivates the self through tea. To each person, tea holds different meanings. From the daily necessities of firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea, representing the ordinary and practical aspects of life, to the poetic symbols of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea, there is a depth of meaning. In times of thirst and heat, tea is a timely balm, refreshing body and soul. And when we slow down, taking time to enjoy tea in a leisurely manner, feeling the tranquility around us, that is the essence of life. It's important to know that the life you yearn for can be found in tea. A simple life is made pure by…

The selection of Puer tea raw materials, when observing the appearance of the leaves, a uniform consistency in color, size, and length is indicative of good quality. If the lengths vary and shapes differ, it may indicate careless processing or adulteration with inferior tea leaves. Especially if there are impurities in the tea, such as tea fruits (as small as green beans), twigs, sand, stone chips, etc., this suggests that the tea is not clean. A good Puer tea possesses a refreshing and pleasant aroma, which can be delicate or intense, and smelling it brings a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Tea enthusiasts believe that the fragrance of tea surpasses that of flowers and plants. A good tea’s aroma should have rich variations, an elegant and refined character, deep and substantive content, and harmonious layers. If these requirements are met, then regardless of the type of aroma, it has value for appreciation and savoring. To purchase Puer tea raw materials, one should look, smell, and taste. Look at the color of the tea leaves; good tea has a lustrous sheen. If the processing and storage are improper, the color will inevitably be dull. Smell to ensure the aroma is pure;…

How vast can a cup of tea be? It's no more than a teacup. When it comes to the necessities of life—firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—it represents daily living. When it comes to the refined pursuits of life—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, liquor, and tea—it signifies elegance. Sometimes, however, it's simply a painting within the mundane world. The essence of plants, recognizing tea by its aroma, is akin to meticulous brushwork. Drinking tea has always been a leisurely affair, much like detailed brushwork that outlines the most delicate curves of a leaf. A person who is perpetually busy would not have the heart to drink tea. The preciousness of tea has never been about being high and mighty. It doesn't require wealth but rather, time. It doesn't demand expertise in tea ceremony or knowledge of its etiquette; instead, it merely wishes for people to witness its youthful appearance in its single, earnest blooming. Thus, how could one bear to neglect the unique flavors of each brew amidst their hustle and bustle? A fine cup of tea needs someone with both time and heart to appreciate it fully. A tea plant's youth is entrusted into the hands…

Zhao Lingzhi was a renowned poet from the late Northern Song to early Southern Song dynasties, known for his profound literary accomplishments and calligraphic talent. His work, The Tea Grant Postscript, is housed in the Tokyo National Museum in Japan, making it a precious cultural heritage. Overview of the Work The Tea Grant Postscript is a work of running script, consisting of fifty-seven characters spread across nine lines. This calligraphy piece showcases Zhao Lingzhi's unique artistic style through its straightforward yet lively brushwork and composition. It subtly reflects the elegance of Dongpo's style while also demonstrating the author's concise literary expression. Content of the Work The Tea Grant Postscript is a letter that touches on the tea-granting system of the Song Dynasty, which was a form of etiquette between monarch and minister. In the letter, Zhao Lingzhi mentions that due to continuous heavy rain, he received greetings and pears and chestnuts as gifts from the other party, for which he expresses gratitude. He also notes that he was fortunate enough to receive tea from the emperor and wishes to offer one cake of it to his esteemed benefactor. The phrase "I hope you cherish this time" in the letter conveys…