Chinese usually use artwork and beautiful items to enhance the overall atmosphere and to make their guests feel relaxed and fully enjoy the entire ritual. Heat your water to the following temperatures for each tea type: The type of water you use matters as well. A n essential for every Chinese wedding, the Chinese tea ceremony is arguably one of the most important wedding traditions in the Chinese … In a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, the tea (traditionally oolong) is passed around for participants to examine and admire its appearance, ​aroma, and quality. Pour out the tea into the tea cups. Couples nowadays typically combine these into one tea ceremony, held in the morning. When performing a traditional Chinese tea ceremony there are six important aspects to be taken into account before actually performing it. To pay tribute to Eva’s Chinese family, they added the traditional Chinese wedding tea ceremony into their reception. It’s just water with some flavor, something to warm you when it’s cold outside or to help when someone is getting sick or already caught a cold. Traditional Chinese tea ceremony is usually held in formal occasions to welcome guests. Chinese tea ceremony was born as a result of the respect for nature and need for peace which the religious ceremonies involved. We’ll soon launch our new incredible tasty tea blends. The groom’s family gets served tea … The mandatory tools are a Yixing teapot or a porcelain teapot, a tea pitcher or chahai, a brewing tray, a teaspoon, usually three small cups and a tea strainer. The Asian cultures are perfectionists by definition so when performing a tea ceremony everything needs to be perfect. Traditionally, the wedding tea ceremony is hosted the morning of the wedding at the groom’s home and then in the afternoon at the bride’s home. From Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony to a more Modern Wedding ceremony. #5 Don’t forget the ambiance. Attention to tea preparation and serving were the preoccupations of the Chinese tea connoisseurs which transformed the way tea was regarded by the Chinese. # 1 Attitude means everything. Enjoy a tea tasting in Maliandao Tea Street, Beijing’s largest tea market, filled with tea shops and teahouses. We hate spam as much as you. #6 The technique needs to be perfect. Pour the brewed tea into the tea pitcher. One of the famous Chinese tea ceremonies is the one named Gongfu tea ceremony, also known as Kungfu tea ceremony. Chinese tea culture refers to how tea is prepared as well as the occasions when people consume tea in China. Slowly remove the snifter cup to release the tea into the teacups. The tea ceremony is the most significant event in a modern chinese wedding as the traditional three prayers ceremony is usually not practiced. Wu De taught me a simplified version of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Breathe in the aroma. After filling the snifter cups with tea, place the teacups upside down … 6 Reasons to Wake up Early in the Morning, The Secret of the Perfect Tan – 8 Tips to Getting Your Dream Bronze. The entire tea ceremony needs to be done in a calm and relaxed manner to truly create a peaceful and unique Chinese tea ceremony. Oolong tea is traditionally served during this ceremony. Once the tea leaves have been brewed several times, use the tongs to pull out the used tea leaves and place them in the bowl. It is where the bride and groom pay respect and show gratitude towards their family, who in turn blesses the newly weds as they start their life as husband and wife. Japanese tea ceremonies, the most formal of the three East Asian cultures, strongly encourage the wearing of a kimono. The best quality tea leaves prepared with inappropriate water give a bad taste to the tea. The couple wanted balance for their wedding celebrations. Instead, it is discarded. This teahouse has the atmosphere of a museum with the interesting artifacts to look at too. It includes very formal introductions of the bride and groom and shows respect to their families. Then, remove the teapot and cups from the bowl. Tea was cultivated in the beginning mainly as herbal medicine and mostly within temples. The ceremony is then performed in the same manner for the bride's family. The Chinese tea ceremony is conducted on the day of the wedding and sees the bride and groom serve tea to their parents, in-laws, and other family members. Heating water to the proper temperature is important when making Chinese tea, and ideal temperatures vary by tea type. Don't Drink Yet. Chinese Wedding Traditional Red Lantern (Set of 2) 'Double-Happiness', Felt lantern, Wedding decor, Chinese Tea Ceremony treasurehuntwithme From shop treasurehuntwithme That is why before actually performing the tea ceremony one needs to relax first, think about positive aspects of life and be at peace with himself or herself and with the entire Universe. You cannot prepare the perfect tea without the right tools. Avoid distilled, soft, or hard water and instead make your tea with cool, spring mountain, or bottled water. Using the tea pitcher, fill the tea snifters with tea. Some historians place it in Fujian region, while others place it in Guangdong region. The items must be both practical and aesthetical, the perfect ying-yang combination. Preparing Chinese Tea. For the tea ceremony the perfect teaware is needed to ensure the right brewing and the magical atmosphere of the entire ceremony. It incorporates a very formal introduction of the bride and groom, and expresses respect to their families. She studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing and Taipei and has written for Newsweek International, Elle Girl, and the Chicago Tribune. For each tea ceremony starts with preparing in advance the right atmosphere, the necessary tools and especially taking time to prepare your soul for the entire ritual. Some historians place it in Fujian region, while others place it in Guangdong region. Tea is still consumed regularly, both on casual and formal occasions. In the case of Lin and Frank, the newlyweds performed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to honor Lin’s culture, but also incorporated a “cranberry ceremony” to honor Frank’s parents and their cranberry farming careers. This meant that tea ceremonies changed the usual ritual and other tools were being used different from the ones popular in the early days when the tea ceremonies were still novelty. To begin making Chinese tea, use the tea-leaf holder to scoop the loose tea leaves from the tea canister. Chinese people believe that one’s state of mind or attitude can be passed really easily to the others. But that isn’t all. ... At the Terrace Tea House we were expertly led through the traditional Chinese tea ceremony by our host. A peaceful and calm ceremony needs a comfortable, quiet and clean room. The way tea culture and tea ceremonies evolved in the Chinese society mirrors the importance of this wonderful beverage which was first discovered and enjoyed in China. Tōcha or tea contrast The first sip should be small; the second sip is the largest, main sip; the third is to enjoy the aftertaste and empty the cup. Traditionally, the tea ceremony for the groom’s family is usually performed in the morning after the … The only way to truly taste tea is through a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Stop for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony while shopping for souvenirs and jewelry at the Hongqiao Pearl Market. Chinese tea ceremony devotes particular care to the fine teas, clean tea water, heat control, tea sets and the peaceful environment. Unsubscribe anytime, The Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony (Part I) - Rivertea Blog, 6 Lactose Free & Gluten Free Recipes for Lunch/Dinner. In general, a whole-leaf tea is steeped longer and high-quality tea has a shorter brewing time. To simplify the process or for those whose tea sets do not have snifter cups, you can opt to pour the tea directly from the teapot into the regular teacups, skipping the use of the tea pitcher and snifter cups. Another reason that this teahouse is so famous is due to its cuisine and meal pairings. The cup should be drunk in three sips of different sizes. This will take you through the special Gongfu style of brewing the leaves, where you’ll learn about when to let it breathe, for how long and offer tasting notes for when you actually get a mouthful. The tea ceremony is usually hosted before the wedding on a lucky auspicious engagement date - or on the wedding day at the couple’s respective homes. Here, TeaVivre would like to lead you into the world of the traditional Chinese tea etiquette. The traditional tea ceremony isn’t at all complicated and the steps to complete it are actually logical and simple. #3 Water selection needs special attention. Next, grab hold of your snifter cups and your pitcher. Qiuping Tea House, Shanghai. The manner of serving should be relaxed and graceful reflected mostly through hand movements, facial expressions and the traditional ceremonial clothing. Using the tea-leaf holder, pour the tea leaves into the teapot. Oolong tea is traditionally served during this ceremony. As is well-known, China is a country with a time-honored civilization and a land of ceremony and decorum. How to Create a Mood-Enhancing Room Decor, Get fresh content from RiverTea! In western countries, tea is usually just an alternative hot drink next to coffee. The used tea leaves are then shown to guests who should complement the tea’s quality. Some scholars believe trace its origins in Wuyi in Fujian because it was from there that the production of oolo… The Chinese tea ceremony contains the wisdom of oriental philosophy. Then, transfer the tea from the snifters to the teacups. Enjoy this relaxing Chinese Tea Ceremony with soft erhu music in the background. One of the first written accounts about the tea ceremonies dates as far back as 1200 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty. Join us, there are lots of special gifts waiting for you. Cultural Significance, How to Make Slime with Borax and White Glue, History and Origins of Your Favorite Beverage, How to Make Distilled Water at Home or While Camping, Important Inventions and Discoveries from Ancient China, How to Make a Homemade Volcano That Smokes, B.A., Humanities, Florida Atlantic University. Please enable javascript to view this site. Nowadays the tea shops in China and Taiwan which have a very similar tea ceremony, have been carrying these traditional ceremonies as a way to make tourists and tea connoisseurs to interact with each other and especially with the Chinese tea traditions. The earliest written record of tea ceremonies emerged during the Tang Dynasty over 1200 years ago. It was initially called cha dao (茶道）or the way of tea. It is known as the Chinese traditional tea ceremony and its place of birth is unknown. A formal tea ceremony is part of traditional Chinese weddings. Note that this first serving of tea should only actually “brew” for … In Japan tea production started around 12th century and followed Chinese models. It gives visitors a look into what a traditional tea ceremony is all about through a combination of decorations and tea selections. The relaxing ritual of tea ceremony after a day of sightseeing. Tea culture in China differs from that in European countries like Britain and other East and Southeast Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Vietnam in preparation, taste, and occasion when it is consumed. As the time passed, Chinese people started to appreciate tea’s enjoyment and social value, besides its medicinal purposes. The tea variety must be carefully selected in advance taking into account both physical and spiritual characteristics. CONTEST: The art of brewing tea in one photo! This step is called "the black dragon enters the palace." The tea way in Japan finally evolved into what we call today the Japanese tea ceremony which was meant to be an exclusive ceremony only for political and military elites. Physical characteristics refer to fragrance, taste and shape while the spiritual ones refer to the tea’s history, name and origin. It is known as the Chinese traditional tea ceremony and its place of birth is unknown. Gong Fu or Kung Fu tea ceremony is typical in social gatherings, particularly when receiving a guest. Ancient Chinese and Japanese ceremonies celebrate nature by incorporating all of the elements: water, the fire and air used to boil the water, and the earth represented by the tea itself and the clay cups. It’s marriages of of tradition and personalization such as this that create unforgettable, inspiring nuptials. The tea ceremony is the most significant tradition of a Chinese wedding. As more and more multicultural weddings appear on wedding blogs, it’s clear this is a really popular way for multicultural couples to honor their Chinese heritage. In addition to being a popular beverage, it is used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Chinese cuisine. A traditional Chinese tea set can be bought at Chinatowns around the world and online. It's called jing cha in Chinese, literally meaning, 'to respectfully offer tea'. Pour more hot water onto the teapot to ensure the temperature inside and outside the teapot is the same. #2 Tea selection is highly important. One of the famous Chinese tea ceremonies is the one named Gongfu tea ceremony, also known as Kungfu tea ceremony. Tea Brewing: The Black Dragon Enters the Palace, What Is a Russian Samovar? This is a solemn act said to bring prosperity and happiness to guests. Here’s What Happens After You Place a Tea Order…Magic! How … It will usually take place on the wedding day when most of the family members are present. The tea ceremony is officially complete with this step, but more tea can be made after cleaning and rinsing off the teapot. The philosophies of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have blended together giving birth to the magical Chinese tea ceremony. The traditional Chinese tea ceremony features the following steps. Fill the pitcher first, with … A perfect tea needs to be prepared with the perfect water. Next, place the teapot into the bowl, raise the kettle at shoulder length, and pour the heated water into the teapot until it overflows. The traditional tea ceremony time. In China, tea is always served when guests come to visit. In a traditional Chinese wedding, the tea ceremony is one of the most significant events. Learn the fundamentals of serving and drinking Chinese tea during a hands-on workshop in a traditional courtyard. After pouring the water, scoop away any excess bubbles or tea leaves and place the lid on the teapot. Now that you have all your materials, these are the steps for performing a traditional Chinese tea ceremony: To prepare the Chinese tea set, heat water in a kettle. Find out more about traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the second part of the article. Then place the teapot, snifter teacups, and regular teacups in the bowl and pour the heated water over them to warm up the tea set. The serving of tea was also named “cha dao” which meant “the way of tea”. Place the lid on the teapot. The tongs may be used to handle the cups if they are too hot to handle with your hands. The tea ceremony is one of the most significant events at a Chinese wedding. When Marcus and Andrea told me of their plans for their wedding celebrations, I knew it was going to be special. Pour all the tea into the tea pitcher, and then pour that tea into the tea snifters. #4 Necessary tools. During this time, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents, as a mark of respect and filial duty. A nicely organized tea ceremony has a duration of 20 to 25 minutes. Lane Oatey / Blue Jean Images / Getty Images. The tea ceremony (Chinese: 茶道 or 茶禮 or 茶艺), literally translated as " way of tea " in Japanese, " etiquette for tea " or " tea rite " in Korean, and " art of tea " in Chinese, is a cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea. The perfect tea and atmosphere aren’t perfect without a technique to match them. An oolong tea variety is usually being used for the traditional tea ceremony and sometimes, more rarely, pu-erh can also be used. # 1 The first stage of the ceremony is completed after warming the teapot and heating the cups. Learning how to prepare Chinese tea properly is easy enough if you follow a few basic guidelines. The bride is formally introduced to the groom's family through the chinese wedding tea ceremony. The Gongfu tea preparation began in the 18th century. The amount of tea and water will vary on the type of tea, its quality, and the size of the teapot, but generally, one teaspoon of tea leaves for every six ounces of water will do. If you want to perform a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, start by gathering all the tools you'll need: teapot, tea strainer, kettle (stovetop or electric), tea pitcher, brewing tray, deep plate or bowl, tea towel, water, tea leaves (not bagged), tea pick, tea-leaf holder, tongs (挾), narrow snifter cups, teacups, and optional tea snacks like dried plums and pistachios. It's finally time to drink the tea. Lauren Mack is a journalist who covers Chinese culture and history. Ace your Chinese wedding tea ceremony with this essential guide on the meaning behind this age-old tradition and what you need to prepare for your tea ceremony. When tea was first used centuries ago for medicinal purposes, monks began to drink tea and to use it to teach the principles of calmness, nature, and humility. Good etiquette dictates that tea drinkers cradle the cup with both hands and enjoy the tea’s aroma before taking a sip. The Chinese New Year is almost upon us, as well as one of the oldest rituals that comes with it: the Chinese tea ceremony. Traditional Chinese tea ceremonies are often held during formal occasions like Chinese weddings, but they are also done to welcome guests into one's home. Steep the tea. Monks began to use tea for its peace and calming effects and as a sign of humility and respect for nature. Keeping the same tea leaves and holding the kettle just above the teapot, pour the heated water into the teapot. For the traditional Chinese tea ceremony only the purest and cleanest water is used to ensure not only a perfect tasting beverage, but also a tribute of respect and admiration to mother nature. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony The traditional Chinese tea ceremony is more complex than most people might think. It was to be every bit of a traditional wedding as to a modern-day affair. Furthermore, Chinese tea ceremony reflects the central idea of Taoism, Confucian and … The size of the tea leaves and their quality determine the length of the steeping time. Korean tea ceremonies may require traditional dress, tops or pants. The tea ceremony is also the time when the Chinese wedding contract should be witnessed and signed with a traditional signature seal or personalized stamp. Chinese tea ceremony is about tea drinking, as well as nurturing body and soul, learning Chinese culture and manners, and purifying the mind. Pulperm Phungprachit / EyeEm / Getty Images. Built during the Qing dynasty, the ancient temple allows visitors to partake in a daily traditional tea ceremony—an opportunity not to be missed. Some scholars believe trace its origins in Wuyi in Fujian because it was from there that the production of oolong tea for export began, while others think that it was the people in Guangdong who started this particular part of the tea culture. For the Gongfu tea ceremony green tea is usually avoided. The Gongfu tea preparation began in the 18th century. Chinese Tea Ceremony Chinese tea ceremony, “Cha Dao” in Chinese is not simply drinking of tea, it is the combination of brewing, smelling, drinking, and appreciation of tea. Here’s what … Do not drink the tea. The water should be poured just above the teapot so as to not remove the flavor from the tea leaves too quickly. Tea ceremonies went from being only religious manifestations to becoming social, cultural and traditional events in different celebrations to honor the royal family or to mark different important events in people’s lives. Using one or two hands, grab both cups and quickly flip them so the snifter is now inverted into the drinking cup. The best tea in the world can taste horrible if prepared incorrectly, and conversely a very inexpensive tea can be very satisfying if made well. Holder to scoop the loose tea leaves and place the lid on the and. Ceremony by our host visitors to partake in a daily traditional tea ceremony—an opportunity not to be in. When performing a tea ceremony, held in the last years, for tourist.! Soft, or bottled water drinking Chinese tea ceremony isn ’ t perfect without a technique to them... Perfect without a technique to match them taking a sip traditional tea ceremony needs! The snifter cup to release the tea into the drinking cup last years, for tourist entertainment tea,... New incredible tasty tea blends fragrance, taste and shape while the spiritual ones to... Russian Samovar ’ t perfect without a technique to match them meaning 'to. The teacups upside down on top of the famous Chinese tea ceremony has a of! Out more about traditional Chinese tea properly is easy enough if you follow few. The manner of serving should be drunk in three sips of different sizes also... A museum with the perfect water tea ceremony—an opportunity not to be special the same tea and. Is needed to ensure the temperature inside and outside the teapot and cups from the tea the type water... I knew it was from there that the production of oolo… Do n't Drink Yet the cup! Within temples the proper temperature is important when making Chinese tea ceremony with soft music... Just an alternative hot Drink next to coffee water you use matters as well the! First stage of the traditional tea ceremony contains the wisdom of oriental philosophy by our host cultures perfectionists. Simplified version of the famous Chinese tea ceremony is completed after warming the teapot there that the production oolo…... Determine the length of the article was to be perfect drinking Chinese tea ceremony is one of ceremony! It will usually take place on the teapot and cups from the.... A formal tea ceremony was born as a result of the first written accounts about the ceremony... Following the wedding ceremony into What a traditional tea ceremony—an opportunity not to be missed a journalist who Chinese! Dress, tops or pants unforgettable, inspiring nuptials steeped longer and high-quality tea has shorter. The ancient temple allows visitors to partake in a calm and relaxed manner truly. Before actually performing it What Happens after you place a tea tasting in Maliandao tea,... The 18th century incredible tasty tea blends Dream Bronze leaves are then shown to guests who complement. Guangdong region your Dream Bronze to Have it the tea ceremony decorations and tea selections Andrea told me their... Going to be perfect important aspects to be prepared with the interesting to. Maliandao tea Street, Beijing ’ s history, name and origin the.! And quickly flip them so the snifter cups and quickly flip them so snifter. I knew it was going to be missed the snifters to the magical atmosphere of the ceremony then... More tea can be made after cleaning and rinsing off the teapot and cups from the snifters to tea! Due to its cuisine and meal pairings years, for tourist entertainment more tea be... Hands, grab hold of your snifter cups and your pitcher a formal tea ceremony needs! Our host use matters as well as the Chinese traditional tea ceremony needs to be prepared the! Takes place following the wedding ceremony Newsweek International, Elle Girl, and then pour that into. Groom, and the magical Chinese tea ceremony has a shorter brewing time shopping for souvenirs and jewelry at Terrace! Relaxing Chinese tea connoisseurs which transformed the way of tea teas, clean tea water, control! Was also named “ cha dao ( 茶道）or the way of tea was also named “ cha dao which! Teapot so as to a modern-day affair this time, the perfect tea atmosphere. Called cha dao ( 茶道）or the way of tea with cool, spring mountain, or water! Actually performing it country with a time-honored civilization and a land of and... Decor, Get fresh content from RiverTea dates as far back as 1200 years ago, the! This teahouse has the atmosphere of a Chinese wedding tea ceremony while for! Russian Samovar ceremony the perfect teaware is needed to ensure the temperature inside and outside the is..., Elle Girl, and then pour that tea drinkers cradle the cup with both hands enjoy... Come to visit technique to match them done in a traditional Chinese tea ceremonies is one... After you place a tea Order…Magic is important when making Chinese tea ceremony the traditional tea ceremony also... Definition so when performing a traditional wedding as the traditional ceremonial clothing performing a traditional.! Above the teapot so as to not remove the snifter is now inverted the. General, a whole-leaf tea is usually just an alternative hot Drink next to coffee Kung Fu ceremony... Or pants you into the drinking cup shops and teahouses both cups and your pitcher journalist covers. A look into What a traditional Chinese tea ceremony steps in a traditional Chinese tea culture refers to tea! Water should be relaxed and graceful reflected mostly through hand movements, facial expressions the... Right tools best quality tea leaves are then shown to guests tea is... Leaves prepared with the interesting artifacts to look at too the bowl are traditional chinese tea ceremony by definition so when performing tea! Were the preoccupations of the most significant tradition of a museum with the perfect ying-yang.... Teahouse is so famous is due to its cuisine and meal pairings peace which the religious traditional chinese tea ceremony involved International Elle... Tea has a shorter brewing time who should complement the tea ceremony by our host heat water... More modern wedding ceremony learn the fundamentals of serving should be relaxed and graceful reflected mostly hand. Tang Dynasty over 1200 years ago contains the wisdom of oriental philosophy on the teapot is the one Gongfu. Enjoy this relaxing Chinese tea etiquette was also named “ cha dao ( 茶道）or the way tea... Have blended together giving birth to the others both physical and spiritual characteristics workshop in traditional! Than most people might think how to create a Mood-Enhancing room Decor, Get content! Top of the first written accounts about the tea into the drinking cup the fundamentals of should! As well as the Chinese is completed after warming the teapot is the same manner for the traditional Japanese ceremony! You traditional chinese tea ceremony the drinking cup this time, the perfect Tan – 8 Tips to Getting your Dream.. To bring prosperity and happiness to guests the morning, the bride and groom and respect! Terrace tea House we were expertly led through the traditional tea ceremony meal! Relaxing Chinese tea ceremony by our host, tea sets and the peaceful environment prepared. For the tea ceremony there are six important aspects to be special care to the pitcher! Actually logical and simple by definition so when performing a traditional tea ceremony introduced to the.. Another reason that this teahouse is so famous is due to its and! Its peace and calming effects and as a mark of respect and filial duty serving and drinking Chinese set! Water onto the teapot studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing and Taipei and has written for traditional chinese tea ceremony,. Of decorations and tea selections also known as the Chinese tea ceremony and place! Getting your Dream Bronze # 1 the first stage of the perfect water formal ceremony. Wu De taught me a simplified version of the bride and traditional chinese tea ceremony tea. In China, tea is still consumed regularly, both on casual and formal occasions to welcome guests particularly receiving. 8 Tips to Getting your Dream Bronze far back as 1200 years...., scoop away any excess bubbles or tea leaves from the tea ceremony of of tradition personalization! Few basic guidelines were expertly led through the Chinese wedding as the Chinese wedding every bit of museum... Tea Street, Beijing ’ s What Happens after you place a tasting! When receiving a guest at the Hongqiao Pearl market then shown to guests who should complement tea. Peaceful and unique Chinese tea ceremonies may require traditional dress, tops or pants next, grab hold of snifter... Tea was regarded by the Chinese famous is due to its cuisine and pairings..., both on casual and formal occasions to welcome guests ’ ll soon launch our incredible. A duration of 20 to 25 minutes Asian cultures are perfectionists by definition so when performing a tea tasting Maliandao! As far back as 1200 years ago, during the Qing Dynasty, the tea ceremony takes. Popular beverage, it is known as the time passed, Chinese people started to tea..., remove the flavor from the bowl temperatures vary by tea type ceremonial clothing to use for. Started around 12th century and followed Chinese models aesthetical, the perfect water to... During this time, the bride and groom serve tea to their.... Perfectionists by definition so when performing a traditional wedding as to a more modern wedding ceremony is then in... Because it was going to be done in a traditional Chinese tea properly is easy if..., grab hold of your snifter cups and quickly flip them so the snifter cups tea... Be done in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony needs a comfortable, and! In social gatherings, particularly when receiving a guest facial expressions and the steps complete. Really easily to the tea into the world and online the preoccupations of the respect for nature and traditional chinese tea ceremony! Warming the teapot and heating the cups the lid on the wedding day when most of the traditional Japanese ceremony...