Added: 05/12/2006 |
Tea Traditions -- an Integral Part of Cultural Life in Many Countries WorldwideOne of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world, China boasts highly developed tea traditions which reflect history, culture values and lifestyle. Thus, tea drinking was extremely popular in ancient China, for tea was recognized as one of the daily necessities and popularized all across the country, making tea drinkers from everyone from soldiers and street hawkers to ministers and emperor.
It is the tea itself that is emphasized in the Chinese tea ceremony, unlike tea ceremony in many other eastern countries that focus on the ceremony itself. In Chiujao and Fujin theuse of tiny tea cups is practiced, while residents of Beijing and Shanghai use larger cups for tea drinking. This means that tea traditions in China, though unique and observed with great honor, vary from one part of the country to the other.
As compared to China, the tea ceremony in Japan, known as chanoyu, is recognized as an aesthetic pastime featuring serving and consuming of matcha - a powdered green tea. However, it is not the tea itself that is emphasized in Japan, but the tea ceremony. Tea was introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century, yet it wasn't until the early 8th century that matcha reached the country. From about the 14th century the tradition of holding special gatherings spread among upper classes, aimed at drinking matcha and appreciating crafts and paintings in a serene atmosphere.
Certain tea traditions were introduced in the 15th century by the samurai, who dominated then Japanese society. Widely practiced today is the form of chanoyu, established during the Momoyama period in the second half of the 16th century. The tea ceremony has been characterized by rusticity, calmness, aestheticism and gracefulness, as it involves the appreciation of everything connected with the art of tea drinking: the room in which the tea ceremony is observed, the utensils used, the decor of the setting and landscape gardening.
In Taiwan tea is not just a drink, but also a part of unique and important culture. After a busy week, when many Taiwanese people look for a change in atmosphere, traditional tea houses and tea art shops located throughout the country tend to be overcrowded. Most teahouses can be found in elegant cultured gardens that make them wonderful hideaways for enthusiastic tea drinkers in search of relaxation while sampling a variety of quality teas. It should be mentioned that Taiwanese tea culture is much related to artistic, social and intellectual activities existing in the country.
Enjoyed throughout the world, tea from India is a spiced milk drink make from black tea, sweetener, milk and a combination of species which often include pepper, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. However, spices used for tea making usually vary from region to region, as well as among households in the country. Indian tea traditions are among the most diverse and interesting in the world, as drinking tea has long ago become an integral part of life in the country.
You'll find here a number of vendors selling tea on the streets, while most homes keep a tea pot going all day long.
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