Tea Knowledge: Treat Guests Well: Learn Chinese Tea Drinking Etiquette!

As a nation of ritual, China has always emphasized serving tea to guests, making tea etiquette ubiquitous. Today, we'll share some tea etiquette still applicable in modern tea gatherings.

◆ Tea Pouring Etiquette - Full wine is respectful, full tea is deceptive

As the saying goes, "Overfull tea is deceptive." Not only is it difficult to hold and enjoy the tea, it can also burn the guest.

Therefore, when pouring tea, only fill it to 70%, symbolizing "70% tea, 30% affection."

◆ Long Tea Etiquette - Serve the most respected first, the most humble second, the most senior last

When pouring tea, serve the most respected first, the most senior last. Pour tea first for the oldest or more senior guests, then for the younger or less senior guests. Afterwards, refill the teapot flexibly based on the progress of the tea drinkers.

◆ Tea Serving Etiquette - Hold the Tea with Both Hands to Show Respect

When serving tea to guests, hold the teacup with both hands to show respect. When holding a teacup with handles, hold the handle with one hand and support the bottom of the cup with the other hand before serving the tea to the guest.

Many people now use coasters to serve tea, which is more convenient and polite.

◆ Tea Changing Etiquette - Re-brewing Tea for a New Guest

When a new guest arrives, we should replace the tea with a new one and brew it again as a sign of respect. Pour the tea to the new guest first, and ask them to taste and comment.

◆ Tea Viewing Etiquette - Refilling the Tea, Viewing the Cup, and Asking the Guest About the Tea

When serving tea, if you notice a guest's cup is empty, refill it with hot tea immediately. If the cup is half full, this implies that "no more tea is needed at this time."

If the tea has been brewed several times and its flavor has weakened, replace it with new tea leaves immediately.

◆ Tea Gratitude - Knock Your Fingers to Thank You, Drink Tea with Etiquette

Knock your fingers to thank you for tea, also known as the "knock your fingers ceremony," is used in the following situations:

• When an elder pours tea for a younger person, the younger person should cup their five fingers into a fist and knock them against the table three times, symbolizing prostration. Knock nine times, expressing respect for someone of particular respect, symbolizes kneeling three times and knocking nine times.
• When pouring tea between peers, it is common to lightly tap the table three times with the index and middle fingers. This is also practiced between close friends; for people of similar age, a light tap with the index finger is sufficient.

◆ Tea Offering - Understand the Cues and Enjoy Tea with Ease

If the tea has become weak, and the host hasn't replaced the tea, this is a silent signal that it's time to go home.

At this point, you should gracefully stand up and express your gratitude verbally, using a bow, a handshake, a cross-hand gesture, or a nod, before departing.

Conclusion:

Tea etiquette is both a continuation of tradition and a sign of respect for others. Let us share warmth and good times over a cup of tea.