Chinese Tea Drinking: The Values Behind the Traditions

The medical use of Chinese tea has gained its renowned name throughout the world. It was believed to have originated from ancient China. A story dating back from 2737 B.C. was told about the Legendary Shen Nong who always boils his drinking water for hygienic purposes.

According to the legend, when Emperor Shen Nong was on a long way journey he stopped by to rest. While his servants boiled water for Him and for them to drink, dried leaves from a nearby bush fell into the container of boiled water. The emperor as a known herbalist and a scientist of his time tasted the water and discovered it was good and delightful to the taste. Since then Chinese tea drinking has been a culture among the Chinese people.

From the onset, Chinese tea has been used only as a medicinal beverage. Not until 300 A.D when it became part of the daily drink. The tea being produced today is known to purge out toxins from the body. Interesting fact is that tea hastens the discharge of nicotine from the body which is good for those who smoke. Another is that it helps digestion which is one of the reasons why many Chinese people drink tea after their meals. Tea drinking has a refreshing and a tonic effect to the body.

Furthermore, drinking tea has been a significant part of the culture of China not only for its health benefits, but an avenue to cultivate the family values of Chinese people. Serving a cup of Chinese tea, younger generation shows respect to their elders. And by inviting and paying for their tea drinking in restaurants.

At home, a son or a daughter serves tea to their parents as a sign of their sincere apology whenever they grieved their parents. Tea drinking in restaurants with the whole family is an important family gathering that shows a wonderful picture of Chinese family values.

Tea drinking also imparts an important social value shown during wedding ceremonies. The groom and the bride shall serve a tea in front of their parents as a way of manifesting their gratitude. The parents then express their response by drinking a minute portion of the served tea. The couple would also served tea to all family members both from the groom’s relatives and bride’s relatives. The Chinese tea ceremony during the wedding will serve as an avenue for both parties to meet. If there be anyone who refuses to drink it signifies that he does not approve the wedding.

From the small unit of the community – the family and to the large community of the society, Chinese tea drinking has been a treasured tradition that displays a remarkable family and social values of the Chinese people from the ancient days and until this present time.

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