Tea ceremony in China. The art of the tea ceremony

In the life of Chinese people, tea is a special place, and tea drinking has become a separate art of tea ceremony.

The Chinese prefer tea to other drinks even in the summer: it not only quenches thirst, but also helps to increase immunity.

Tea ceremony in China - a bit of history

The appearance of tea is attributed to one of the main figures of Chinese mythology, the divine ancestor of the entire Chinese people Shen Nun, whose name in Chinese means "Divine Land-Launderer." It was this hero who taught the people to plow the land, grow cereals, as well as medicinal and other useful plants.

Tradition says that Shen Nun had a bull's head and a human body, while his stomach was made of transparent jade. Shen Nun helped people to treat illnesses, and for this purpose he wandered around the country in search of medicinal plants, separating them from the often-occurring poisonous ones. The healer tested the effect of the found herbs on himself. At the same time he observed the influence of the eaten plant or its fruits on the body through its transparent stomach. They say that one day he tried a new, unfamiliar plant and as a result received a strong poisoning. When he became very ill, he lay down under an unfamiliar bush. Suddenly, a dew dropped from the bush's leaves. Swallowing this droplet, the healer felt a surge of strength and pleasant vivacity throughout the body.

From that time, Shen Nun carried around everywhere the leaves of this plant, applying them as an antidote. So it turned out that he taught the whole Chinese people to drink tea as a medicine.

In ancient times, tea was a drink for rich people. No one knows for sure when he switched to an everyday drink. At the same time in the 1st century BC tea was widely distributed, and it was already possible to buy it on the market. And from 618 to 907 years the Chinese tea ceremony began to develop, and for the first time tea traditions of China were described .

Over time, along the Great Silk Road, tea also penetrated into Russia. In literature it is reported that the Cossacks presented the tea to the Russian Tsar in 1567 as a gift. Really, Russians were able to appreciate the fragrant drink already in the 19th century. It was then that the Russian tea ceremony was formed. In Moscow, tea has learned to brew in the world-famous Russian samovars.

In China, tea ceremony is a whole ritual, where when brewing a drink, a certain order is observed. The main purpose of this action is to reveal the taste and flavor of tea, and haste is inappropriate here. Chinese Tea Ceremony Implies peace and tranquility. A special atmosphere helps create quaint objects of tea utensils, elegant dishes of small size, as well as pleasant soft music - thanks to all these factors it becomes possible to enjoy the world-famous unforgettable fragrant aroma of tea drink and a long aftertaste.

Features of the Chinese ritual in Chinese

Tea ceremony in China is called gungfu-cha: gung - the highest art, and tea - of course, tea. The Chinese themselves attach special importance to the ritual. They have this skill, which can not be mastered by everyone.

The Chinese ritual of tea drinking is considered one of the most mysterious and mysterious in the whole world. Perhaps, this is explained by the fact that the Chinese consider tea not just a drink. For them tea is a wise plant, which is given to transmit the energy of life. To obtain this energy, there are certain conditions that are contained in the rules of the ceremony of tea drinking.

Special requirements for water

The choice of water to be brewed tea is of decisive importance. It must necessarily be from a clean source. The most suitable is the one that has a sweetish flavor and a soft texture.

When cooking tea, boiling water is important. It does not need to be brought to a strong boil, because because of this, it leaves its own energy. They say that the water is considered to boil up to the desired tea status, as soon as there are bubbles in it - they do not allow boiling to boil.

Sounds of music

Traditionally, before the beginning of the ceremony, a person must purify himself, achieve a state of inner harmony and peace. That's why it takes place in a beautiful room and with the sounds of pleasant music, often fascinating and mystical. For the best effect, the master of the tea ceremony prefers to use the sounds of nature. It promotes the immersion of man in the depths of his soul and helps him to merge with nature better.

What is it customary to say at a tea ceremony?

During the tea ritual, they traditionally talk about the tea itself. In addition, an important element of the ceremony is the demonstration of respectful attitude to the tea deity and talking about it. Often, the masters put his statue or image next to the tea utensils.

The internal state of the assembled

According to all canons, the ritual takes place in an atmosphere of good and harmony. In the process of tea drinking is not accepted loudly talk, wave your hands or make noise. To feel the true pleasure of the drink and real happiness helps full concentration.

By the way, tea ceremony in China involves the participation of 2 to 6 people. It is in this case that you can achieve an amazing atmosphere, called in tradition by the contact of souls.

Interior for a tea ceremony

All present sit on straw mats, laid on the floor. Near the guests lay out soft cushions of pleasant warm color. In the middle there is a table for tea, called a shepherd, about 10 cm high. It looks like a box of wood. It has special openings where the remnants of tea pour out, because in China the surplus of water speaks about abundance.

When all the basic principles of tea drinking are observed, the solemn moment of tea drinking itself comes.

So, the Chinese tea party

A set for the tea ceremony is laid out before the guests. Tableware includes: a teapot for brewing, a vessel - cha-hai, a tea box called cha-he, and a tea pair. All dishes for the tea ceremony should be done in one style and not be distracted by its appearance from a wonderful drink.

The first thing to do is dry tea brewing, the master falls asleep in the cha-cha - a special porcelain box, which is designed to study the structure of tea and the inhalation of its odor. All participants slowly transfer it into the hands of each other and inhale the fragrance. This ritual has one more meaning - during the transfer of the cha-chae, the participants come together.

After this, the master gongfu-cha makes tea. The first poured boiling water is poured - thus the dust is washed off from the tea. But already with the next pouring each guest of the ceremony enjoys a miraculous drink.

Before each participant there is a tea pair on a tray. These are two cups, one of which is high and narrow (vansyaibey), designed to perceive the smell, and wide and low (chabei) - for enjoying the color and taste of tea. In the high cups, the second water is poured, after it has been in the brewer for about 30 seconds. Vencebay fill only 3/4 and immediately cover with a large cup. After a while, the top cup is removed and, bringing the bottom to the nose, inhale the wonderful aroma of the resulting tea. It is important to concentrate and merge with the energy of tea. Tea is drunk slowly, focusing on sensations.

Tea is poured as long as the color and aroma of the drink remain. With each new pouring tea gets other shades of smell and taste.

As a result, the tea ceremony gives peace, peace of mind and helps to forget about the hecticness of our life.

Tea ceremony in England

The United Kingdom is one of the world leaders in the consumption of tea per person. Tea drinking for the British is not just a habit, it is a ritual with its own established traditions. He appeared from the typical English tea-drinking Five-o-clock Tea.

Traditional tea ceremony set The English are a white or blue tablecloth without drawings, a vase with live white flowers. Tea couples, a teapot with tea, a milkman, a jug with milk, a strainer and a stand for it. In addition, you will need a sugar bowl (preferably with white and brown sugar), teaspoons, a fork and a knife, napkins in the tone of the tablecloth.

For tea, snacks are always served - these are different varieties of English baked goods. Traditionally, guests can choose between 5-10 kinds of tea, where Lapsang Souchong, Earl Gray, Darjeeling, Assam, as well as various tea blends are mandatory.

By the way, another important element of serving is a quilted or woolen cheholchik on a teapot (tea-cosy).

Tea ceremony in England has its secret. When brewing tea into consideration, it is assumed that it will not be diluted in cups with boiling water. This means that when brewing, tea leaves are placed in the kettle based on the fact that 1 tea spoon of tea per person is needed. In the case when you use a large teapot, it is recommended to add 1 more spoon to everyone.

Then 3-5 minutes tea is insisted, and it is poured into the guests. Immediately after this, it is necessary to pour boiling water from a jug into the teapot (a feature of the tea ceremony - repeated pouring of tea leaves) and cover it with tea-cosy to preserve the temperature. By the time of the completion of drinking the first cup, the second pouring time to brew. The kettle can be poured again, but each time the quality of the drink will deteriorate.

Traditionally, tea is drunk with milk, and tea is added to hot milk, and not vice versa.

Russian tea traditions

The tea ceremony in Moscow is a completely different tradition, very different from the rituals that have developed in the homeland of this drink. They say that the Japanese at tea drinking enjoy tea utensils, details of the ceremony, their inner world. Tea ceremony in China - enjoying the taste and aroma of tea, English - is valuable by the very fact of observance of traditions, entourage, baking. And the most important thing for Russians is the company gathered near the Russian samovar. Communication between all gathered is very important.

In Moscow, they drank originally black tea. Boiling water is heated in a samovar, and a brewer is put on top. The tea is made stronger than tea, which is eventually drunk. The cups are filled with tea leaves, and afterwards - boiling water from the samovar.

On the table to the tea is always offered pastries,
Lemon, sugar, jam and honey. The latter eat most often with a snack to tea or spread on bread. Often a cup of tea is served to the cup - a saucer. It is poured hot tea from a cup and drink.

Whatever the tea traditions of different peoples, everywhere this drink is appreciated for its pleasant taste, delicate aroma and unusual properties.