Tea is the number two drink in the world, after water, and to the Chinese, the art of preparing and serving it is of paramount importance.
Tea is popular and can be costly too, especially certain oolong/wulong teas. In addition, they have some health benefits. Some teas, such as green tea, contain anti-oxidants which have been known to fight cancer and certain oolong and black teas have a particular amino acid that may help fight infection.
As well, a study by the University College in London discovered black tea has an affect on stress hormones, helping people recover more quickly from pressure-cooker situations.
Beyond these benefits, tea, above all, has an ancient and revered status.
RESPECT AND FORGIVENESS IN A CUP
Traditionally, those who are younger are expected to show respect to their elders by offering a cup of tea. Since China is filled to the brim with tea houses, it is customary for the younger generation to invite their elders to go for tea during the holidays. In the past, lower ranking employees would often serve tea to higher-ranking co-workers. Of course, all this has changed with the modernization of China.
Tea houses were important at one time in Northern China. They were like private clubs for gentlemen to gather and also to do business. Deals were sealed in this relaxed atmosphere. They were also places where disputes could be settled.
The proper way to serve tea to your guests is to arrange the cups in a circle and to pour the tea into all the cups in one go. The cups are filled just over the half-way point. It's believed the rest of the cup is filled with friendship and regard.
The server must then pass the cup to each guest, bidding each individual to smell the tea. You should thank the server by tapping the table with your finger three times. It is considered polite to empty your cup in three swallows.
Not only is tea used to seal relationships, it is also used to repair them. As a sign of submission and regret, a person can make apologies to others by pouring them tea.
TAPPING THE TABLE
The custom of tapping the table three times originated with the Emperor Qian Long during the Qing Dynasty. Apparently, the emperor liked to travel in disguise and his servants were told never to reveal their master's identity. One day, the emperor poured a cup of tea for his servant – this was a huge honour. The servant wanted to kneel and bow but that would have unveiled the emperor's identity. So in order to express his formal appreciation, the servant bent his fingers on the table and tapped three times.
THE WEDDING TEA CEREMONY
This usually happens on the day of the wedding. These days, most couples have their church wedding first and then retire to someone's home to go through the motions of the tea ceremony.
The ceremony is quite simple. The parents of the bride and groom and sometimes, immediate relatives, are the recipients of the tea. They are required to sit in chairs.
The groom goes first and then the bride. Each must present a cup of tea (oolong or jasmine usually) with both hands to each parent and relative, calling each person by their proper name The parents and relatives must receive the cup of tea with both hands as well. Then the elders each provide the couple with red packets filled with money.
By offering the tea, the bride and groom are showing their gratitude to their parents for their upbringing. And by drinking the tea, the parents and relatives are symbolizing acceptance into the family. Refusal to drink would mean the person was opposed to the wedding and a loss of "face."
