Chinese Tea Ceremony

Chinese tea ceremonies have helped shape the Chinese tea culture for over 1200 years. The ceremonies were initially called cha dao, which translates to the way of tea. Today, tea ceremonies are described as he, jing, yi, Zhen, meaning peace, quiet, enjoyment, and truth. The unique style of drinking and elegant service has grown in popularity over the years and is frequently performed in teahouses around the world.

It is important to note, that the ceremony is not very strict. In the tea ceremony it is not about the person serving the tea, it is all about the tea itself. There are six main parts to a tea ceremony:

1. Attitude: The attitude of the person performing the ceremony should be a happy, peaceful and calm attitude when serving the tea. The performer should be confident in their movements.
2. Tea Selection: You want to select the best tea for your tea ceremony. In addition to taste, smell, and shape of the tealeaves, the tea should have a nice name and story.
3. Water Selection: Poor water selection can make even the best tealeaves taste sour. To produce the best taste and smell of tea the water should be clean and purified.
4. Teaware Selection: You want to select tea-ware that is both functional and beautiful.
5. Ambiance: It is important that the Chinese tea ceremony be performed in a peaceful and calm environment.
6. Technique: The tea ceremony performer is like the ballerina of dancers. Their hand and body movements must be graceful and elegant.

Below is a short version of a Chinese tea ceremony.