Chinese tea culture has changed over the years. While Chinese tea still remains an important part of the eastern cultures, as society moves forward the culture changes. The same basic traditions are still adhered to, but the traditions have become a little more laid back. Here are a few of the ways the Chinese tea culture has changed with the times.
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Drinking Chinese tea serves as an important part of Asian cultures. It’s used in celebrations, as a way to make a formal apology, and as a sign of respect. In past decades it was unheard of for the elders of a family to serve the younger generations. Instead, the younger family members would serve tea. In Chinese tea history it wasn’t uncommon to see children as young as 5 to serve tea to their parents and grandparents. Today, this is still practiced, but not quite as formally. When families go out to Chinese tea restaurants the younger generations still pour the tea. At home however, it’s not uncommon to find the parents making and serving the tea. This doesn’t diminish the values found in the culture; it’s just a modern way to make tea an easier thing to deal with.
Chinese Tea Culture and Weddings
The Chinese tea ceremony is still closely regarded in weddings, but it has changed a little with time. In past years the bride and groom would kneel before their parents and serve tea from a beautifully appointed Chinese tea tray. This was the ultimate sign of respect, and a silent way of thanking them for all they have done. Presenting the parents with tea is an important and emotional part of traditional Chinese weddings. It’s still practiced today, but not always in the same formal ceremony. In today’s Chinese tea culture it’s acceptable to downplay this part a bit. The bride and groom will still serve tea in beautiful Chinese tea pots to their parents, but they don’t have to go through the formality of kneeling before them as part of the ceremony. Many ceremonies now include this part during the reception. This allows the bride and groom to enjoy their moment, but then dedicate a special moment to the parents that raised them.
Formal Apologies and Business Dealings
The Chinese tea culture is very rich in the business communities. This is where even those who aren’t in the east should take some time to learn about the power of Chinese tea presentation. Tea is often served as a way to close a deal. Similar to Americans who shake hands to symbolize a done deal, in Chinese cultures tea can serve the very same purpose. If you are hosting clients and want to show respect, do some research and prepare some traditional Chinese tea. Tea is also served as a way to offer a formal apology. If one person has offended or hurt another, tea is served by the person wishing to apologize. Since tea shows great respect, the apology tends to mean more. The art of the apology is all but lost in many cultures, but it continues to live in Chinese tea culture.
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