Chinese tea ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony is related to the preparation and consumption of tea in the Celestial Empire. It is an important part of the tea culture that has been firmly rooted and developed over many centuries in the PRC.

In an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS, orientalist Sergei Belov explains that in the Chinese tea ceremony, not only the process of making and drinking tea is important, but also the atmosphere.

"Often the ceremony is held in a special room which is decorated according to the traditions of Chinese culture. It is also important to consider all the details of the brewing process, including the quality of the tea, its temperature and quantity, as well as the way it is served and consumed," said the expert.

The Chinese tea ceremony has different variations, which differ depending on the region where it is held and the type of tea used.

What is the meaning of the tea ceremony?

The essence of the Chinese tea ceremony is not just the process of making and drinking tea, but also creating a harmonious atmosphere and bonding between those involved.

"In traditional Chinese culture, the tea ceremony has a special meaning; it helps people relax, focus on the present moment and enjoy the wonderful taste and aroma of tea. This ceremony also strengthens the bond between people, as it is usually held among friends, family or colleagues," explained Sergei Belov.

The expert mentioned that the Chinese tea ceremony is linked to philosophical and spiritual aspects of the Chinese culture. It encourages those involved to put their thoughts in order and achieve harmony with nature. It also serves as a symbol of respect for the world around you and for the traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

Thus the meaning of the Chinese tea ceremony is to create a harmonious atmosphere, to strengthen bonds between people, to enjoy the flavour and aroma of tea, and to symbolically respect nature and tradition.

What is the name of the tea ceremony in China?

In China, the tea ceremony has many names that relate to different traditions and regions. Listed below are some of the most famous tea ceremony names in the country:

–  Gongfu (功夫茶) is one of the most popular types of tea ceremonies in China. It was developed in Zhejiang province and is characterised by a unique style of tea making that requires skill and experience;

–  Shufu (熟茶禅) is a tea ceremony that combines traditional Chinese tea and Buddhist philosophy. During the ceremony, participants prepare a drink using special appliances and focus on the present moment to achieve harmony with nature and the world around them;

–  Chadō "The Way of Tea" (茶道) is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony that was first introduced in China in the ninth century. During the ceremony, participants prepare and drink green tea in a special room, which is decorated according to the traditions of Japanese culture.

How to conduct a proper Chinese tea ceremony?

The Chinese tea ceremony is a rather complex process that requires certain skills and knowledge. Below are the basic steps to help you have a proper Chinese tea ceremony:

1. Choosing the right tea: For the ceremony, it is important to choose the right kind of tea to suit the traditions and expectations of the ceremony participants. It is also important to check the quality of the product and determine the correct water volume and temperature.

2. Preparing all the necessary supplies: for the tea ceremony, you need to use special crockery and utensils, including a kettle, cups, spoons and others. It is important to make sure that they are all clean and ready for use.

3. Creating an atmosphere: the tea ceremony should be held in a special room or place that will create an atmosphere of tranquillity and harmony. It is important to make sure that the place where the ceremony is taking place is tidy and that participants can concentrate on the process.

4. Preparation: The preparation of tea during the ceremony may vary depending on the type of tea being used. However, it is important to consider all the details of the process, including water temperature, brewing time and serving method.

5. Consumption: Once the tea has been prepared, it is important to drink it properly, following the traditions of Chinese culture.

Sergei Belov clarified that these are just the basic steps to help conduct a Chinese tea ceremony. It is important to consider the traditions and peculiarities of Chinese culture, as well as the personal preferences of those taking part in the ceremony.

What is a classic Chinese ceremony set?

A classic Chinese tea ceremony set includes several basic elements that help you to prepare and drink tea correctly, in keeping with the traditions of the culture:

– teapot (茶壶) is the main vessel for making tea. It should be made of ceramic or clay and have good heat capacity;

– cups (茶杯)- special cups are used for the tea ceremony, which can be of different sizes and designs. It is important to ensure that the cups are made from high-quality ceramic;

– a tea spoon (茶勺)- it should be made from the same material as the kettle;

– a tea board (茶盘) is a special board on which the process of making and drinking tea is carried out. It must be strong enough and have a smooth surface.

– tea mat (茶垫)- this is used to protect the surface from the hot teapot or cups. The mat can be made from bamboo or other materials.

– boiler (火炉) is a tool that is used to heat water. It is important to choose a kettle that is suitable for use during the tea ceremony.

Depending on the region and tradition, other elements or variants of instruments may be added, the orientalist said.

What are the rules? What is prohibited?

There are many rules and traditions in the Chinese tea ceremony that help maintain an atmosphere of peace and harmony and pay homage to Chinese culture:

– respect: it is important to show respect for other participants in the ceremony, nature and traditions of Chinese culture;

– concentration: participants in the ceremony should concentrate on the process of making and drinking tea and not be distracted by other things;

– adhering to rituals: it is important to observe all rituals and rules related to the process of making and drinking tea, such as the amount of tea, water temperature and brewing time;

– keeping order: you need to keep it clean and not disturb other participants;

– rules of etiquette: you need to know the rules for taking tea - how to hold cups, where to look when taking tea, and so on.

For example, a tea pair is taken in both hands and tea is drunk by lifting the cup and saucer, which is held at chest level. The saucer and cup are held in the palm of your left hand so that it rests on four fingers that are slightly apart, with your thumb resting on the rim of the saucer.

In addition, there are also some things that are forbidden in the Chinese tea ceremony, such as

– loud talking: it is important to avoid loud conversations and noise during the ceremony;

– being late: it is necessary to arrive at the ceremony on time so as not to disturb the atmosphere and order;

– failure to observe rituals: breaking the rules and rituals of the tea ceremony can spoil the atmosphere and cause resentment among the other participants;

– lack of concentration and lack of attention to the process of preparing and drinking tea;

– food or drink: you should not bring food or other drinks to the tea ceremony, as it is against customary tradition.

In general, in the Chinese tea ceremony it is important to observe the rules and traditions, to maintain an atmosphere of tranquillity and harmony, and to show respect for other participants and the traditions of Chinese culture.