Chinese Tea Ceremony (2)
Expressing gratitude for tea
After a person’s cup is filled, that person may knock his bent index and middle fingers (or some similar variety of finger tapping) on the table to express gratitude to the person who served the tea. Although this custom is common in southern Chinese culture as Cantonese, it’s generally not recognized or practiced on other parts of China.
This custom is said to have originated in the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Qian Long would travel in disguise through the empire. Servants were told not to reveal their master’s identity. One day in a restorant, the emperor, after pouring himself a cup of tea, filled a servant’s cup as well. To that servant that was a huge honour to have the emperor pour him a cup of tea. Out of reflex he wanted to kneel and express his thanks. He could not kneel and kowtow to the emperor since that would reveal the emperor’s identity so he bent his fingers on the table to express his gratitude and respect to the emperor.
Brewing Chinese Tea
There are many different ways of brewing Chinese tea depending on variables like the formality of the occasion, the means of the people preparing it and the kind of tea being brewed. For example, green teas are more delicate than oolong teas or black teas and should be brewed with cooler water as a result.
Gaiwan brewing
Gaiwan is a three piece teaware consisting of a lid, cup/boul, and a saucer, which can be used on its own or with tasting cups on the side. Gaiwan brewing is usually employed in tea tasting situations, such as when buying tea, where neutrality in taste and ease of access to brewing leaves for viewing and sniffing is important. This method of serving is often used in informal situations, though it can also be used in slightly more formal occasions. Gaiwan brewing can be used for all forms of teas though lightly oxidized teas benefit most from this brewing method.
- Boil water, or heat to specified temperature for the tea used
- Heat gaiwan with boiling water
- Add leaves to line bottom of gaiwan
- Rinse tea if desired, and drain
- Slip water along the side while pouring in the cup to ยป2/3 full
- Wait specified time for tea
- Serve
…to be continued…
Source: medlibrary.org