Chinese tea ceremony. Chinese Tea Ceremony - history, traditions, philosophy. Special circumstances of Chinese tea drinking

“Drinking tea promotes digestion, especially “if you sip tea in the company of beautiful maidens, sitting in a gazebo near a pond with water lilies or near a lacquered bridge.”

Luk Yu, tea master of the Tang Dynasty

Most tea lovers can only dream of such luck, but if the tea is good, they are willing to make allowances for the circumstances.

Chinese tea ceremony

Over the millennia, China has developed many methods of preparing tea for various purposes.

This is how not only tea drinking for every day appeared, but also sophisticated methods for exceptional cases - "gung fu cha" .

In Chinese, this tea action sounds like “gong fu cha”, and gong fu means “highest skill” or “highest art”, and cha means “tea”.

It turns out that gong fu cha is the highest skill of tea drinking.

During Gong Fu Cha, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all four “benefits” of tea: leaf shape, infusion color, aroma and taste.

The symbolic meaning of the “gung fu cha” ritual is expressed in turning over the cups and tasting the energies of Yin and Yang.

Gong Fu Cha requires a special atmosphere and a special attitude.

The personality of the ceremony leader is of great importance for the proper flow of the entire tea party.

Surprisingly, his role is both invisible and decisive at the same time, since the host feels the state created by the tea and reacts to any changes in the mood of the ceremony participants.

To make the interaction with tea more complete and rich, special utensils are used in teahouses.

Tea cups, a teapot and cha-hai are placed on a special tea table. Tea is poured into a teapot and poured with boiling water. The first pour is used to wash away tea dust from the tea leaves and give impetus to the development of tea.

The second and subsequent portions are poured into the teapot (as the tea is drunk), and the infusion is poured into the cha-hai. From this vessel, tea is poured into tall cups, which are immediately covered with wide cups. This design is turned over and handed over to the tea party participants.

Raising a tall cup, they bring it to the nose and breathe slowly through it, enjoying the aroma and tuning their channels of perception. Then they drink tea, observing their sensations.

Tea is a traditional drink in China and is consumed daily. Everyday tea drinking in China is a family affair.

Tea (usually green) is brewed in a large teapot (porcelain, earthenware or clay) for the whole family at once, poured into cups or bowls, from which it is drunk.

In addition, the Chinese note several types of special circumstances for preparing and drinking tea together.

Special circumstances of Chinese tea drinking

"Sign of Respect". In Chinese society, it is customary to show respect to elders by offering a cup of tea. Inviting older relatives to a restaurant for a cup of tea and paying for them is one of the traditional Chinese weekend pastimes. In the past, tea was always served by people lower in the social hierarchy. In today's China, due to the liberalization of society, it happens that parents serve tea to their children, and even a boss can pour tea for his subordinates. However, at formal events you should not expect a more senior member to serve you tea.

"Family Meeting". Having started families or gone to work in a distant region, children rarely visit their parents; Grandfathers and grandmothers rarely see their grandchildren. Therefore, drinking tea together in restaurants is an important part of family meetings. On Sundays, Chinese restaurants are full of people, especially on holidays. This confirms the importance of family values in China.

"Apology". In Chinese culture, when asking for forgiveness, it is customary to pour tea for the person you are apologizing to. This is a sign of sincere repentance and humility.

“Expressing gratitude to elders on your wedding day”. In a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents by kneeling in front of them as a sign of respect. The newlyweds say to their parents: “Thank you for raising us. We are eternally indebted to you!” Parents drink tea and present the newlyweds with a red envelope, symbolizing good luck.

“Uniting a large family on a wedding day.” The wedding tea ceremony also serves as a way for the families of the bride and groom to meet. Since Chinese families are often quite large, it may happen that not all participants will be able to meet each other at the wedding. In particular, this could happen in ancient times, when the father of the family could have several wives, and relations between some family members were strained. Therefore, during the wedding tea ceremony, the newlyweds served tea to each family member, calling them by name and official title. Drinking tea together symbolized the welcome of new members into the family. To refuse tea meant to oppose the marriage and “lose face.” Senior relatives, being introduced at the ceremony, handed red envelopes to the newlyweds; the newlyweds, in turn, gave red envelopes to young unmarried family members.

"Maintaining Tradition". In the Chaoshan tradition, it is customary to gather with friends and relatives in the tea room for the Gongfu Cha ceremony. During the ceremony, the older participants tell the younger ones about the customs, passing on the ancient tradition to them.

One day, in a tavern, the emperor sat down with two men who were drinking tea and started a conversation.

The men immediately realized that this was not an ordinary resident in front of them, and they wanted to fall on their knees in front of him, but they understood perfectly well that if everyone found out that this was the emperor in front of them, then they would face the death penalty, since the emperor was considered majestic and untouchable, and those people they talked to him as to an equal.

After drinking tea, the young people stood up and one of them made two gestures with his fingers - first he placed his index and middle fingers together on the edge of the table, then the same gesture with bent fingers.

The emperor did not understand and asked to explain what this meant.

The young man replied: “ We know that Your Majesty is in front of us, and now they will kill us for talking to you, but I really want to express gratitude to you on our behalf and on behalf of all the people. These two gestures mean that your people present themselves before you and bow down».

And the men left. The emperor was surprised and at the same time glad that his people thought so about him. Since then, such a gesture shows respect for the person drinking tea.

In the life of the Chinese, tea has a special meaning, and tea drinking is a ceremony in which a certain sequence in brewing tea is observed. The main goal of the tea ceremony is to more fully reveal the aroma and taste of the drink. An indispensable condition for the ceremony is a calm state of mind. The special atmosphere of the ceremony is created by ornate tea utensils, small exquisite dishes, and calm, quiet music. Most Chinese prefer to drink tea at any time of the year: both in the cold and in the heat. This drink perfectly quenches thirst and strengthens the immune system.

Chinese tea culture implies methods of preparing tea, dishes and equipment used for this; and events that serve as an occasion for tea drinking.

The Meaning of Tea in Chinese Culture

In China, tea is one of the "seven daily necessities": rice, salt, oil, vinegar, soy sauce and firewood. Chinese tea culture has some differences from Japanese, European and British tea drinking, methods of preparation, and drinking. In China, it is customary to drink tea both in everyday situations and during rituals and official events. Tea is not just a drink; it occupies an important place in Chinese cuisine, traditional Chinese medicine and Buddhism.

The tea growing and drinking traditions listed as “Chinese” would more accurately be called “the tea culture of the Central Plains of China.” In addition, there are largely original tea traditions of Southwestern China, the routine of which is widespread in the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnan, and Sichuan. These areas, where tea has been grown since ancient times, have been much less influenced by outside influences in modern times, and therefore have preserved many old tea traditions that have long been forgotten in the regions of Central China.

The tea culture of Tibet is also immensely original. According to many, it developed during the Tang Dynasty in the mid-700s. In Tibet, it is customary to drink butter and milk tea, which is completely uncharacteristic of the rest of China.

In the southern regions of China there is Yamcha(“tea drinking”) is a type of tea culture. In Macau, Guangdong, and Hong Kong, it is customary to drink tea in the morning before starting the work day. At the same time, the drink is drunk as a snack with various snacks - dim sum.

In ancient times, residents of Southern China retired to tea houses to drink tea. Busy dim sum restaurants are popular now. The “yamcha” ritual is observed especially carefully by pensioners. Tea drinking is often preceded by tai chiquan(Chinese fist waving) is a type of wushu.

Hong Kong tea drinking traditions are characterized by certain conventions. If a visitor wants to give a sign to the waiter that the teapot has run out of tea, then it is necessary to remove its lid and place it next to the teapot on the tablecloth.

Tea drinking customs

Tea is a traditional drink in China, consumed every day. However, among the younger generation of Chinese, there has been a decrease in interest in tea drinking and a passion for Western sweet carbonated drinks. Some Chinese scientists regard this as a worrying symptom.

Currently, family tea drinking is becoming a tribute to tradition and an opportunity to commemorate family unity on the occasion of some celebration. To do this, it is customary to brew green tea in a large teapot (faience, porcelain, clay) for the whole family, after which it is poured into bowls or cups, from which they drink.

The Chinese identify several types of special circumstances for preparing and drinking tea together.

"A sign of respect." Offering a cup of tea is a way of showing respect to elders in Chinese society. And one of the traditional pastimes on weekends in China is inviting older relatives to a restaurant for a cup of tea, paying for the tea party. In the past, this drink was always served by people who occupied the lowest rung in the social hierarchy. Due to the liberalization of society in modern China, there are cases where parents offer tea to their children, and even the boss pours tea for his subordinates. But at an official event, a more senior participant will never present tea to a subordinate.

"Apology". In Chinese culture, there is a custom of pouring tea to the person from whom forgiveness is asked or to whom an apology is being made. This is a sign of sincere repentance and submission.

"Family Meeting" Having gone to distant lands to study or work, and having started their own families, children visit their parents less often; Grandparents rarely meet with their grandchildren. Therefore, joint tea drinking in restaurants is considered a particularly important part of family meetings. On Sundays, Chinese tea houses are full of visitors, especially on holidays. This once again confirms the importance of family values in China.

“Expressing gratitude to elders on your wedding day.” The bride and groom in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony must kneel in front of their parents and offer them tea as a sign of respect. At the same time, the newlyweds say: “Thank you for raising us. We are eternally indebted to you!” The parents drink tea, then the newlyweds are given a red envelope as a symbol of good luck.

“Uniting a large family on a wedding day.” The wedding tea ceremony is also a way for the families of the bride and groom to meet. Since Chinese families are often large, it happens that not all family members get to meet each other at a wedding. This happened in ancient times if the father of the family had several wives, and, as a rule, relations between individual family members were strained. During the wedding tea ceremony, it was customary for the newlyweds to bring tea to each family member, while calling his name and official title. Drinking tea together served as a symbol of welcoming new members into the family. To refuse tea meant to “lose face,” i.e., to oppose the marriage. After older relatives were introduced at the ceremony, they gave red envelopes to the newlyweds, and the newlyweds gave red envelopes to young unmarried family members.

"Maintaining tradition." There is a tradition in Chaoshan culture to gather in a tea room with relatives and friends for the Gongfu Cha ceremony. During the ceremony, older participants share with younger participants about rituals and rules, passing on ancient traditions to them.

Gratitude for tea(Koutou fingers)

A guest who has been served tea, to demonstrate his gratitude, can knock on the table three times, bending his index and middle fingers at the phalanges. This custom is called " koutou fingers"and is widespread in Southern China (Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macau); in the rest of the country such habits are not usually followed.

They say that this tradition originated during the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Qianlong traveled incognito around the Celestial Empire, he really wanted to know what the people thought about the government. One day, the emperor sat down in a tavern next to two people drinking tea and started a conversation with them. It immediately became clear to the men that it was not an ordinary resident talking to them. They wanted to fall on their knees in front of him, but they realized that if everyone knew that this was the emperor, they could be executed. The young people talked with the emperor as with an equal, and such a ruler was considered majestic and untouchable.

Having finished drinking tea, the men stood up and one of them made a gesture with his fingers: he placed his index and middle fingers on the edge of the table, then repeated the same gesture, but with bent fingers. The ruler did not understand the gestures and asked for an explanation. To which the young man replied: “We know that before us is Your Majesty. We will now be executed for talking to you. But I really want to express our deep gratitude to you on behalf of all the people. These gestures mean that your people bow to you!” After these words, the men left. The Emperor was very surprised and pleased at what the people thought. Since then, it has been customary to show respect to a person for drinking tea with a similar gesture.

How to brew tea in China

In the Middle Kingdom, there are many different ways to brew tea, depending on the reason and circumstances of the tea party, the type of tea being brewed, and the income of the participants. Thus, green tea is more delicate than black tea or oolong, and not very hot water is used for brewing.

In a cup of chaow (gaiwan) Any tea can be brewed, but this method is best used for weakly fermented types.

Gaiwan is the current name of the vessel, literally translated “bowl with a lid”, or another name is gai bei - “cup with a lid”, or jiu zhong - “vessel for locking heat”. The method was borrowed from the Chaoshan people, who called this vessel “chaou”.

Chaou is a set that includes a cup, lid, and saucer. It is used both on its own and in combination with tea cups. If you want to try tea, brew it in chaow. Here it is important to feel the neutral taste of the tea, see the tea leaves brewing and smell them. This brewing method is used for everyday tea drinking, although it can be used in certain formal situations.

Particularly popular is the method brewing in a teapot. In this case, tea is brewed in a large (so that the volume is sufficient for all those present) teapot made of porcelain, clay or earthenware. The peculiarity of the Chinese teapot is that the tea leaves are poured into a small, perforated glass-strainer inserted inside, made of the same material as the teapot.

When brewing, the strainer is filled halfway - two-thirds with dry tea, i.e. it acts as a tea leaves dispenser. Hot water is poured into the kettle through a strainer cup, “rinsing” the tea leaves. When the kettle is full and the tea leaves have soaked, you can additionally squeeze it out a little with a spoon for a richer extraction. There is an opinion that tea is washed better in a strainer and releases the substances it contains more completely. Higher grades of green tea and oolong tea can be brewed several times. The water temperature and infusion time depend on the types of tea.

Gongfu Cha tea ceremony its popularity owes to the traditions of the peoples of Chaozhou or Chaoshan and Minnan. This method uses a small teapot with a capacity of about 150 ml, made of Yixing clay (Zisha). The teapot not only serves as a decoration for the ceremony, but also helps to “round out” the taste of the tea. The method of brewing in a Yixing teapot is used both for individual tea drinking and for treating guests.

The brewing method used only for oolongs is considered an art in China. The water is heated to approximately 95 degrees. In order not to spoil the water and tea, you should not boil it. Warm up the dishes; To do this, water is poured into a teapot and cups. You definitely need to get acquainted with tea: examine and breathe the tea leaves. The amount of tea leaves is poured into the kettle in accordance with its volume. Then you need to “sweep out the tea,” that is, remove the tea dust. Water is poured into the kettle from a great height and immediately poured out: the first brew is not drunk. The newly poured water is infused depending on the type of tea. Good oolong teas are brewed five to seven to ten times. During the ceremony, the soul and body should be calm, as this is a very important event. For such tea drinking, it is advisable to have a teapot made of Yixing clay, a set of tea tools, a tea board, chahai, chahae, a tea pair, and a live fire teapot for water.

National Tea Museum

In the spring of 1991, it opened in Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province), the tea capital of China. China National Tea Museum, revealing various aspects of Chinese tea culture. Museum exhibitions, located on 3.7 hectares, are surrounded on all sides by tea plantations. The museum provides an opportunity not only to look at teapots, cups and other accessories of tea ceremonies two thousand years ago, but also to take part in a tea ceremony.

Now in China, more than 500 thousand tons of tea are consumed every year. Tea culture has become a precious asset of the Chinese nation on both material and spiritual levels.

In the homeland of tea, China, this drink is considered a cult drink. For many thousands of years, the people of the Celestial Empire have collected and then processed the leaves growing on the tea tree.

In addition, a whole system of knowledge gradually emerged. Among them was the holding of a Chinese tea ceremony. Moreover, both emperors and ordinary peasants drank this drink.

Discoverer of tea

This invigorating and tonic drink is very popular in China. Its discovery is attributed to Shen Nun, a mythical emperor who ruled the country around 2700 BC. e. Legends say that this ruler of the Celestial Empire is the father of Chinese medicine and a divine tiller. Throughout his life, he tested various types of plants and studied their beneficial properties, which he taught to the people. According to legend, Shen Nong had the body of a snake, had a human face located on a bull's head, the nose of a tiger, and his belly was made of transparent jade.

History of the discovery of tea

There are two legends about the appearance of this iconic drink among the people of the Celestial Empire. According to the first of them, Emperor Shen Nong chewed fragrant but bitter-tasting leaves that fell from a bush growing not far from him. He did this in search of a cure, having tried another plant and poisoned himself with it. The leaves he used to relieve his condition made him cheerful and gave him strength. And later this remedy was constantly with the emperor. He carried tea tree leaves with him and chewed them after he tried new herbs that were unknown to him.

There is a second version of the legend. He tells us how the leaves of a tea tree were blown by the wind into a pot in which water was boiling. Shen Nong noticed that it gradually acquired a golden color. The emperor tried the resulting aromatic and tasty drink and felt cheerful afterwards.

Discovery of tea by Bodhiharma

There is another legend. She tells us that tea was first discovered by the monk Bodhiharma. They decided to conduct continuous prayers to Buddha. However, after four years of meditation, the monk still fell asleep. Waking up in anger at having broken his vow, Bodhiharma cut off his eyelids, throwing them to the ground. Two tea trees grew in this place.

The emergence of traditions

During the Han Dynasty from 221 to 206 BC. e. The Chinese actively studied the properties that tea has. At the same time, they increasingly expanded their knowledge in the field of growing this plant and processing raw materials. Further, in the era of the Three Kingdoms (221-277), an amazing tonic drink began to replace wine at feasts. It was then that the history of the Chinese tea ceremony began.

In 618-907, during the Tang era, this plant was revered as food and medicine. It was only later that tea tree leaves began to be collected only for making a drink. Moreover, they treated it as a wonderful and amazing means of nourishing life.

Development of traditions

"Family Unity"

During a wedding, a tea ceremony helps the families of the newlyweds get to know each other.

"Transfer of experience and wisdom"

Young people and the elderly often take part in tea ceremonies in the Middle Kingdom. Such a ceremony makes it possible to spread and preserve traditions, as well as pass on to the younger generation the life experiences that constitute the cultural heritage of a great country.

China is a unique country with ancient customs that are revered and passed down from generation to generation. One of the national traditions is the Chinese tea ceremony. It is not just a procedure for drinking tea, but includes a strict sequence of certain actions. The ceremony contains a deep meaning and gives pleasure from the tea drink to each participant. The history of this custom dates back to 618 from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian.

The mystery of tea drinking in China

The national name for the ritual of drinking tea drink is Gongfu-Cha. In the second part of the fourteenth century, during the reign of the Ancient One, only the emperor could enjoy tea made from whole tea leaves. This tea was specially grown and collected for the imperial family. Ordinary people at that time were content with small-leaf and inexpensive varieties of tea.

Setting for the ceremony

The traditional tea ceremony in China, according to unspoken rules, is held in a tea house. This is a special room without bright lighting. For decoration, soft pastel colors are used using natural shades of color. The very atmosphere of the tea house should be relaxing and soothing. The main condition is a low table to accommodate all guests and the necessary utensils. Soft rugs or pillows are placed on the floor for the comfort of guests. Today, tea houses provide a meeting place where one can socialize in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Traditional rugs have been replaced by lounge chairs. Each guest can relax and drink their favorite tea drink.

“Chinese tea drinking is a ritual whose purpose is to saturate the human soul and calm the body.”

Water requirements

The Gongfu Cha culture has strict conditions when choosing water. For thousands of years, tea masters have passed on knowledge to each other when working with water for tea. And over time, this skill turned a set of certain rules into real instructions for the correct preparation of the drink. The choice of water is the main feature with which you should start preparing. It should not have any foreign odors or have any flavor nuances. It is assumed that soft water is not suitable for proper tea, since they have a small amount of earth spirit - these are minerals and salts that make the drink persistent and confident.

Suitable water for Gongfu-Cha is traditionally recognized as spring water, which draws its strength from the very center of the earth, saturating and giving it a piece of its soul. The water to be used for brewing should be boiled in a separate clay teapot. The size of the kettle depends on the number of guests. The brewing water is heated only once to the optimal temperature.

The tea master determines the optimal heating temperature, taking into account the type of tea being brewed. When brewing oolong tea, the optimal temperature is 95 degrees Celsius, and for pu-erh tea - 100 degrees. Tea experts determined the temperature of boiling water without a thermometer:

76-86 - bubbles with a diameter of 3 mm are formed - the Chinese call them “crab eyes”,
90-96 - larger bubbles appear - 8 mm, called “fish eyes”.

Music for the ceremony

The tradition of tea drinking is not only the procedure of brewing and drinking tea. The national ritual also includes listening to colorful Chinese music.

It is impossible to conduct a real tea drinking ritual without music. Its selection is a real tea drinking culture. It should be calm and unobtrusive, and its sound should resemble national instruments. You can find an original version when the chirping of songbirds, the murmur of a forest stream, and the rustle of fallen leaves in the forest fit into the musical composition.

Gratitude to tea

Chinese tea culture is not only rich in ancient legends. There is a custom that has survived to this day from the Qin Dynasty. One day the emperor dressed himself in simple clothes and went to wander around the country to find out what the people thought of him. He entered a tavern and saw two people drinking tea. He sat down with two visitors and started a casual conversation. But they immediately realized that this was no ordinary wanderer. They had to kneel, but in this case they would have been executed immediately, since the ruler was sacred and ordinary people could not talk to him. Then one of the interlocutors, after a conversation over tea, stood up and put his middle and index fingers on the table, bending them. With this, he told the emperor the following: “We understand who you are and we know that we face death for communicating with you. But we want to express our gratitude to you on behalf of our people. With this gesture we make it clear that we adore and love you.” Now, over tea in China, interlocutors show respect with a similar sign.

In the Middle Kingdom they brew and drink tea in any family. Sometimes this custom becomes part of something completely different. During the wedding, the parents of the bride or groom give them a tea ceremony set. They, in turn, offer tea to their parents as a sign of respect to their elders. During the feast, the newlyweds introduce the guests by serving them tea and calling them by name.

What kind of tea do they drink in the Middle Kingdom?

The Chinese rarely use imported tea leaves. This is not necessary when the domestic market is rich in fresh, own varieties:

Te Guan Yin,
Pu'er,
jasmine
chrysanthemum
Ren Shen Wulong,
shu/sheng puer,
Longjin
Bi Luo Chun.

These are the most common varieties that are consumed in any family and brewed in inexpensive cafes. In expensive restaurants you can find elite varieties:

Te Guan Ying,
Bei Hao Yin Zheng
Feng Huan Dan Cun,
Jin Zui Mei
Mao Fen

It should be noted that the Chinese do not like flavored teas. Mostly natural fruit drinks are brewed or without additives with the original composition. There are many more places where you can drink tea in China than beer bars in the Czech Republic. Moreover, even in ordinary eateries and cafes you can find a very good selection of tea.

Tea ceremony set

Translated into Chinese, it sounds like Chatsui - a tea instrument. Its use came into active use around 1981 and later spread to all countries, where it gained popularity. For a long time the Chinese did not use it, but now it is difficult to imagine the entire process without its use. The inclusion of additional items in the set has a peculiar meaning. Admirers of Taoism and Buddhism are confident that the actions carried out by these objects help relax the mind and get in the mood for tea drinking.

A modern tea set can consist of a different number of items. The main ones are visible in the photo - these are gaiwan, chahai and bowls.

Gaiwan is a clay teapot for brewing. Inexpensive version - made of glass.
Chahai is a small teapot or jug for pouring brewed tea into bowls.
A bowl is a container for drinking tea. It is made mainly from clay or porcelain.

Further items may be excluded or added depending on the scope of the ritual.

Scoop – for transporting dry tea into the kettle. Before its use, loose leaf tea was simply poured in using hands or tongs.
Tongs – for washing and other manipulations with bowls.
Needle – for cleaning the spout of a teapot for brewing or a knife for cutting briquetted tea.
A funnel is a safety device for holding tea leaves. The principle of operation is similar to a conventional strainer.
A spatula is a tool for analyzing the quality of tea leaves, brewed and dry.
Brush – used to remove stains on dishes or polish a teapot.
Stand for a bowl – can be square, round or rectangular.

The photo shows the complete set:

When making a set, it is covered with calligraphic painting or ordinary artistic drawings. The sets are made by private craftsmen and factories from different materials.

Clay is the most expensive material. Sometimes the items in the set are designed and their shapes can be very bizarre: animals, people, fairy-tale characters.
Wooden is the best option for home use. It is durable and not very expensive.
Bamboo is the cheapest material. Suitable for hiking and drinking tea in nature.

When purchasing a set, you should check it for possible cracks and chips. Such shortcomings, according to the Chinese, bring bad luck. Please note that wood and bamboo do not tolerate extreme heat, so you should not leave the set in the open sun for a long time. After use, wipe the items with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

Results

The tea tradition of China is of great importance to the Chinese. It calms the soul and relaxes the body, heals and brings people together. A properly conducted ceremony will allow you to take a break from everyday hectic days and recharge with internal energy.

The Chinese believe that while drinking tea you can get closer to your ancestors and plunge into the sacred world of the elements. Real tea cleanses the body of harmful toxins and the head of unnecessary and vain thoughts.

Gongfu Cha in China is traditionally associated with the tea ceremony. This beautiful ritual has ancient roots, and perfectly reflects the sophistication of Chinese culture.

A couple of thousand years ago, a ritual associated with tea drinking appeared among the customs of China. The tea drink in the country of advanced technologies and fashionable replicas was and is especially valued. Its healing properties have been known to the Chinese since time immemorial. It is not surprising that the tea ceremony has become so important. After all, in addition to the delicious taste, there is a hidden sacred meaning in it.

Gongfu Cha: Art in Action

Back in the 14th century, it was customary for the imperial family to drink tea brewed from a large leaf. The common population used completely different raw materials for brewing tea. Briquettes and small leaf tea were used. While the prerogative of the rich was loose leaf tea.

The Gongfu-Cha ritual became widespread in the 15th century. Along with this, the style of drinking tea also changed. For example, special dishes appeared - gaiwan. The dish was a deep bowl without handles, but with a tight-fitting lid. It was considered bad taste if the bowl, saucer and lid had different designs and ornaments. Each class had its own signs, which were reflected in detail on sets of gaiwan.

Since all social life in China is permeated with mystical and ancient traditions, the gaiwan was identified with heaven, earth and man. The lid symbolized protection, the saucer meant the earth, and the bowl itself was associated with a person. All together this was interpreted as a person standing firmly on the earth and having heavenly protection.

A significant feature was contained in the lid itself. This part of the kitchen set should not fit tightly to the bowl. The gap that remained between the bowl and the lid played a special role. The Chinese drank tea through this gap, or poured it into other bowls when they were relaxing with their family.

During the same period as the gaiwan, the yixing clay teapot was created in China. This item got its name due to the fact that the clay that was used for it was mined at a deposit near the city of Isin.

But why did you choose this particular clay? Yixing purple clay was endowed with such properties that, after firing, it ensured the slow cooling of tea in the teapot. The porous material also gave the drink a refined and pleasant taste.

The pores of such a teapot allowed the hot drink to “breathe” as it cooled, saturating the tea with oxygen. Today, analogues of tea ceremony sets can be found in museums. Such exhibits are looked after more carefully than other famous paintings. They are polished with water. And sometimes they conduct real tea ceremonies with them so that the clay of the products does not crack without proper care.

Chinese tea drinking and the importance of water in it

The art of brewing tea is structured in such a way that each element in this action is assigned a large role. Water for Gongfu Cha is chosen carefully. Water from a spring is considered the best. Since it is she who is sufficiently saturated with the energy of the earth.

Soft or hard water is not suitable for making Chinese tea. Reheated one is also not used. Typically, two types of tea are used for the tea ceremony: pu-erh and the well-known oolong. For the first option, the water is heated to 100 degrees. And for the oolong variety, heat up to 95 degrees is used. Take exactly as much water as needed for drinking tea.

What might be needed for a tea ceremony?

The island of Taiwan has a tea ceremony set that is different from all of China. Throughout the rest of the country it is common to use the following things:

Yixin and gaiwan. A teapot made of high-quality clay and a set of cups according to the number of participants form the basis;
Jug of Cha-Hai. This item is used as a reservoir for an infused drink. It is from this that tea is poured into cups;
Boiler with water. It is in it that water is boiled to the required temperature;
Bench-Zhan stand. Porcelain base uniting the bowls;
Linen fabric. Used to blot drops of water and tea;
Cha-Hae's box. Tea raw materials are stored in it. During the ceremony, it is passed around in a circle so that all participants appreciate the aroma;
Porcelain spoon. She cleans her nose of tea leaves and leaves;
Bamboo spoon. Used for weighing tea raw materials;
Strainer for blue. Often comes with a clay teapot;
Wooden tray Cha-Pan. All the utensils for the tea ceremony are placed on it;
Tea tongs. Used to extract brewed leaves.

Tea ceremony packages may vary slightly depending on which province it is held in.

Tea ceremony: a sacred act

In the room where the real tea ceremony takes place, the lights are always dimmed. This is done so that no distractions can prevent a person from enjoying the taste and aroma of an unforgettable drink.

They try to keep the color scheme of the room where they drink tea in green, brown and light colors. This way the chosen colors help to attract the energy of the earth into the room.

Another important condition is ventilation in this visit. During Gongfu Cha, a light breeze is welcomed, which, according to the plan, should bring the ethers of tea to everyone present.

It is believed that tea not only nourishes a person’s taste buds, but also affects him on a more subtle level. The tea ceremony is a way to enjoy the aroma and taste of tea, and is also a good technique for achieving peace of mind. After all, the healing properties of this drink have been known for a very long time. And its benefits have been proven in practice.

Tea ceremony: stages

Seven preparatory stages turn ordinary tea drinking into a mesmerizing experience. Let's look at them in more detail:

Wen Hu Tang Bei. The set of dishes is almost completely filled with boiling water for sterilization. Then, with graceful movements, they pour out this water as excess and unnecessary;
Zhan Shan Jia Ming. Each participant in the ceremony opens a box of tea and inhales its scent to appreciate the merits of the raw material. Cha-Hae is then passed to the next person sitting on the left;
Wu Long Ru Long. The required amount of tea is poured into Yixing. Three bamboo spoons of raw materials (15 g) are placed in the “teapot”, 150 ml of boiling water is added;
Suan Hu Goa Chong. An impromptu introduction of tea and water takes place. Yixin is filled with a thin stream;
Chun Feng Fu Mian. Using a porcelain spoon, skim bubbles and tea leaves from the surface of the water. Next, cover the yixing with a lid for 2 minutes, after which the first tea is poured out;
Zai Zhu Qing Kuan. The tea leaves are brewed for direct consumption. The clay teapot is filled to the full with water;
Gua Mom Lin Gai. The water surface in the blue is cleared of bubbles and leaves again. The kettle is closed to allow the tea to steep for about 30 seconds.

After all the manipulations, the Chinese and their guests begin to drink tea. In addition to the preparation process itself, the tea ceremony also includes a unique service ritual.

Algorithm for serving tea to guests and visitors

Tea pouring is traditionally carried out by the owner of the house himself. Clay yixin is taken in the right hand, and linen material is placed in the left hand. After each cup is filled, the teapot spout is wiped dry.

Oolong is brewed 4 to 8 times. It is believed that in this way the raw materials give the water all the best that is in it. Pu-erh can easily withstand up to 16 brews. This variety is stronger and more tart.

The ritual of repeatedly brewing tea came to the world from China. High-quality tea can withstand several brewings in a row without loss of taste and aroma.

Caring for the tea set after the ceremony

In China, Yixing is freed from tea leaves and water immediately after the end of the ritual. The kettle is never washed with detergents or chemicals, but simply rinsed with boiling water. The same is done with all other items for the tea ceremony.

When all parts of the set are cleaned of tea residues, they are allowed to dry naturally. After drying, the surfaces are polished with a soft and natural cloth.

Subtleties of Gongfu Cha in everyday life

The tea ceremony is a tradition that is practiced only on special occasions. This ritual is not performed every day. Although it is considered good form to hold a tea ceremony once a week.

The Chinese cannot imagine their life without rice, oil, vinegar, soy sauce and, of course, tea. During the ceremony, the cup is offered to the older person as a sign of respect. If an elderly person treats a friend who is younger than him, he shows him special honor and recognizes the merits of the young guest.

When relatives meet, it is also customary to hold a tea ceremony. The frequency of such meetings does not matter. The main thing is that during a family reunion, traditions are respected.

Another event where a tea ceremony is appropriate is a wedding. With this ritual, young people express their respect to their parents. When meeting the family of the future chosen one for the first time, the full Gong Fu Cha ritual is also performed.

In many provinces where traditions are strictly followed, the tea ceremony is held to pass on experience from older people to the younger generation.

In addition to positive reasons, the tea ceremony is sometimes organized as a sign of apology. Serving tea to someone to whom a person repents symbolizes the sincerity of his feelings.

In Southern China, in gratitude for a cup of tea, it is customary to knock on the table with bent fingers. This custom goes back to ancient times, when the Celestial Empire was still ruled by emperors.

In China, December 15 is celebrated as International Tea Day. Despite the fact that this day is a working day, many people attach great importance to it.

In April 1991, the first China National Tea Museum was opened. It is located in Hangzhou city. And it operates right in the middle of tea plantations. The museum has exhibits dating back 2,000 years.

There are ten most famous varieties of tea in China. Oolong tea, white tea, red tea, yellow tea and green tea are the types of raw materials that are included in this list.

The furniture for the ceremony is chosen no less scrupulously than the tea drink itself. A low table, pillows for the comfort of the knees and a set of dishes are indispensable attributes during the Gong Fu Cha ritual.

Chinese tea even has its own legend. The first mentions of this drink can be found in manuscripts describing events that occurred 4800 years ago.

The legend of the appearance of tea

The divine ancestor of all Chinese, Shen Nong, once decided to help people get rid of their illnesses. He began to explore the surroundings. I was looking for medicinal and poisonous plants. I checked every find on myself. After another poisonous root, Shen Nong felt ill. And he lay down to rest under a bush unknown to anyone. Dew rolled from the leaves of the bush into Shen Nong's mouth. And he miraculously got rid of the consequences of exposure to poisonous grass. Since then, the first ancestor carried the leaves of the medicinal bush with him. This is how all the Chinese learned about the healing properties of tea.

In the 1st century BC, tea became widespread. If previously it was available only to the rich classes, now it began to be sold on the market. This is how tea gained recognition and love from the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom.

In Chinese culture, the tea ceremony plays a huge role. From an aesthetic point of view, this ritual is beautiful and entertaining. It calms the spirit, gives the body peace and healing. Brings people together. Helps you take your mind off everyday worries.

In addition, only through the tea ceremony can one obtain all the necessary energies to improve the quality of life. After all, every action contains a secret meaning that strengthens the connection with ancestors, returns descendants to the fold of traditions, and treats nervous disorders.

Strict adherence to the algorithm allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sacred world of energy of earth, water, fire and air. Real Chinese tea can bring considerable benefits to the body. It cleanses the body of toxins and the head of vain thoughts.