Hello, 
Today we will be looking at the customs surrounding how the Chinese take their tea.
So come join me on this journey.
The concept of the tea culture is referred to in Chinese as “chayi” which means “the art of drinking tea” or cha wenhua, the tea culture.
In the Chinese culture tea is prepared and consumed can illustrated four events that are important to the Chinese. These four events are, a sign of respect, family gatherings, to apologize, and lastly to show gratitude and celebrate weddings.
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A sign of respect
It is the tradition for younger family members to show their respect to the elder family members by offering them a cup of tea. One favorite traditional holiday activity is for children to invite their elders to a restaurant for tea. In the past, it was not uncommon for the lower class to serve tea to the upper class. However, with the increasing liberation, this rule has become slightly blurred. For example, parents might pour tea for their children to show affection and love. Even a boss may pour tea for subordinates at restaurants to promote their work relationship. Nevertheless, in a very formal setting, the basic rule still remains.
2.For family gatherings
When children leave home either for work or marriage, they may spend less time with their parents. In order to spend more time with their parents, they go out to drink tea at restaurants. This is seen as an important family ritual to reestablish family ties. Every Sunday, Chinese restaurants are filled with families drinking tea together, especially during the holiday season.
3. To apologize
A child may serve tea to their parents as a sign of a formal apology for misbehavior and to show regret and submission.
4. To celebrate weddings
In the Chinese culture, a traditional Chinese wedding, the bride and groom would kneel before their parents and then serve them tea. This is a formal way for the young couple to show their gratitude for being raised. Sometimes, in some ceremonies the groom serves the brides parents, and the bride serves the grooms parents. This process shows the blending of the families.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and I will write more about the Chinese tea culture in the coming posts.
Have a great Monday,
Alyssa
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