The Values Built Behind: The Ancient Chinese Tea Customs

December 23, 2009 by  
Filed under Fitness

Chinese tea has gained its renowned name throughout the world due to its medical use. In ancient China, it was said to have originated. A Legendary story about Emperor Shen Nong, dating back from 2737 BC, that for hygienic purposes, he always boils his drinking water.

In the legend, Emperor Shen Nong stopped to rest when he was on a long journey. While his servants boiled drinking water for him and everyone to drink, dried leaves fell into the container, from a bush nearby. When the emperor tasted the water, as a herbalist and scientist, he discovered it was delightful and good to taste. Then, the culture of drinking Chinese tea started among the people in China.

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.

Whenever parents are grieved, a son or a daughter serves tea at home to apologize sincerely. An important family gathering, tea drinking in restaurants with the whole family shows a wonderful picture of Chinese family values.

An important social value is being imparted by tea drinking during wedding ceremonies. In front of their parents, the groom and the bride, as a way of showing gratitude, shall serve tea. In expression of their response, the parents also would drink a little from the served tea. Likewise, all the members of the family, both from the bride and groom\’s relatives, would be served with tea by the couple. During the wedding, the Chinese Tea ceremony would be a place for them to meet. If someone would refuse 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.

Looking for the finest Chinese Tea?, then visit the online store now for a wide selection of the best Chinese Tea .

categories: Chinese Tea culture,drinking tea,drinking chinese tea,tea drinking chinese customs,tea drinking. chinese traditions,medicinal purposes,chinese tea traditions,tradition,alternative medicine,family,health,fitness