How Do Ancient People Drink Tea?They Also Value Sense of Rituals

Introduction

Tea, a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture, carries with it a history that dates back over two millennia. The ancient Chinese embraced it as a symbol of culture, philosophy, and ritual. Let’s explore how ancient Chinese people drank tea and the significance they placed on their rituals.

Choosing the Right Tea

Selecting tea was an important part of the ritual. As the saying "tea is prized for its freshness"  suggests, the best tea was always the freshest. Ancient Chinese tea drinkers would carefully choose high-quality, freshly picked tea leaves. The process of selecting tea involved not only finding leaves of superior quality but also considering personal preference and the specific characteristics of different tea varieties. A well-chosen blend could transform the drinking experience into something truly exceptional.

The Importance of Water

The choice of water was crucial in tea preparation. Lu Yu, the renowned tea master of the Tang Dynasty, outlined the ideal water sources in his seminal work, The Classic of Tea. According to Lu Yu, the best water came from mountain springs, followed by river water, and lastly well water. Some scholars and tea connoisseurs even used rainwater, dew, or snow water for brewing. In Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Mansion was known for using rainwater for tea, while the character Miaoyu used plum blossom snow water, underscoring the high regard for the quality and purity of water in tea making.

The Perfect Temperature

Understanding the right temperature for boiling water was another critical aspect of tea preparation. Lu Yu's The Classic of Tea described three stages of boiling water:

1. First Boil: When the water boils with tiny bubbles, suitable for delicate teas.
2. Second Boil: When the water forms streams of bubbles, ideal for most teas.
3. Third Boil: When the water bubbles vigorously, too hot for most teas as it can lead to a bitter taste.

Using water at the correct stage of boiling was essential for drawing out the best flavors from the tea leaves.

The Elegance of Tea Utensils

Tea drinking also demanded a collection of finely crafted utensils. The tea set, which included items such as teapots, cups, bowls, and whisks, was selected with care. A well-designed tea set not only enhanced the aesthetic experience but also contributed to the sensory enjoyment of tea. For the ancient Chinese, drinking tea was not merely about savoring the liquid but also about appreciating the fragrance, color, and overall presentation of the tea.

The Ideal Environment

Creating the right environment was integral to the tea drinking experience. The setting for tea was expected to be serene and clean, embodying the principle of harmony between man and nature. The environment often featured simple, elegant décor with items such as incense, paintings, and flowers. In modern portrayals like the popular series A Dream of Splendor, tea houses by the river, with well-arranged furnishings and accompanying delicacies, reflect this ideal. The sensory experience of sight, smell, taste, and touch was harmoniously integrated into the tea drinking ritual.

The Company You Keep

The choice of companions also played a significant role in tea drinking. The ancient Chinese believed in the concept of "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas". This saying highlighted the importance of associating with virtuous people. As noted by the scholar Ouyang Xiu, choosing esteemed guests for tea drinking was a way to cultivate meaningful relationships and ensure a refined tea experience.

Conclusion

As we savor our modern cups of tea, we can draw inspiration from these ancient rituals, appreciating not just the flavor of the tea but also the rich cultural heritage that it represents. The ancient Chinese approach to tea reminds us that even in our daily lives, there is beauty and meaning to be found in the rituals we embrace.