# 1 The first stage of the ceremony is completed after warming the teapot and heating the cups. It's finally time to drink the tea. The tea ceremony is the most significant event in a modern chinese wedding as the traditional three prayers ceremony is usually not practiced. Using one or two hands, grab both cups and quickly flip them so the snifter is now inverted into the drinking cup. This meant that tea ceremonies changed the usual ritual and other tools were being used different from the ones popular in the early days when the tea ceremonies were still novelty. Using the tea pitcher, fill the tea snifters with tea. Chinese Tea Ceremony Chinese tea ceremony, “Cha Dao” in Chinese is not simply drinking of tea, it is the combination of brewing, smelling, drinking, and appreciation of tea. Place the lid on the teapot. Keeping the same tea leaves and holding the kettle just above the teapot, pour the heated water into the teapot. Gong Fu or Kung Fu tea ceremony is typical in social gatherings, particularly when receiving a guest. The size of the tea leaves and their quality determine the length of the steeping time. The cup should be drunk in three sips of different sizes. It’s marriages of of tradition and personalization such as this that create unforgettable, inspiring nuptials. The tea ceremony (Chinese: 茶道 or 茶禮 or 茶艺), literally translated as " way of tea " in Japanese, " etiquette for tea " or " tea rite " in Korean, and " art of tea " in Chinese, is a cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea. The perfect tea and atmosphere aren’t perfect without a technique to match them. In China, tea is always served when guests come to visit. To pay tribute to Eva’s Chinese family, they added the traditional Chinese wedding tea ceremony into their reception. The tea variety must be carefully selected in advance taking into account both physical and spiritual characteristics. How … The way tea culture and tea ceremonies evolved in the Chinese society mirrors the importance of this wonderful beverage which was first discovered and enjoyed in China. Korean tea ceremonies may require traditional dress, tops or pants. #6 The technique needs to be perfect. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony The traditional Chinese tea ceremony is more complex than most people might think. Here’s What Happens After You Place a Tea Order…Magic! This step is called "the black dragon enters the palace." A nicely organized tea ceremony has a duration of 20 to 25 minutes. A formal tea ceremony is part of traditional Chinese weddings. If you want to perform a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, start by gathering all the tools you'll need: teapot, tea strainer, kettle (stovetop or electric), tea pitcher, brewing tray, deep plate or bowl, tea towel, water, tea leaves (not bagged), tea pick, tea-leaf holder, tongs (挾), narrow snifter cups, teacups, and optional tea snacks like dried plums and pistachios. The tongs may be used to handle the cups if they are too hot to handle with your hands. For the traditional Chinese tea ceremony only the purest and cleanest water is used to ensure not only a perfect tasting beverage, but also a tribute of respect and admiration to mother nature. Good etiquette dictates that tea drinkers cradle the cup with both hands and enjoy the tea’s aroma before taking a sip. To simplify the process or for those whose tea sets do not have snifter cups, you can opt to pour the tea directly from the teapot into the regular teacups, skipping the use of the tea pitcher and snifter cups. The tea ceremony is officially complete with this step, but more tea can be made after cleaning and rinsing off the teapot. It was initially called cha dao (茶道）or the way of tea. Couples nowadays typically combine these into one tea ceremony, held in the morning. It’s just water with some flavor, something to warm you when it’s cold outside or to help when someone is getting sick or already caught a cold. #3 Water selection needs special attention. After pouring the water, scoop away any excess bubbles or tea leaves and place the lid on the teapot. It includes very formal introductions of the bride and groom and shows respect to their families. The Gongfu tea preparation began in the 18th century. Wu De taught me a simplified version of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Pour the brewed tea into the tea pitcher. When to Have It The tea ceremony traditionally takes place following the wedding ceremony. The water should be poured just above the teapot so as to not remove the flavor from the tea leaves too quickly. Attention to tea preparation and serving were the preoccupations of the Chinese tea connoisseurs which transformed the way tea was regarded by the Chinese. Instead, it is discarded. This will take you through the special Gongfu style of brewing the leaves, where you’ll learn about when to let it breathe, for how long and offer tasting notes for when you actually get a mouthful. Tea ceremonies went from being only religious manifestations to becoming social, cultural and traditional events in different celebrations to honor the royal family or to mark different important events in people’s lives. Slowly remove the snifter cup to release the tea into the teacups. One of the famous Chinese tea ceremonies is the one named Gongfu tea ceremony, also known as Kungfu tea ceremony. The Asian cultures are perfectionists by definition so when performing a tea ceremony everything needs to be perfect. A peaceful and calm ceremony needs a comfortable, quiet and clean room. Gongfu tea ceremony has been highly commercialized in the last years, for tourist entertainment. Heat your water to the following temperatures for each tea type: The type of water you use matters as well. The tea ceremony is one of the most significant events at a Chinese wedding. For each tea ceremony starts with preparing in advance the right atmosphere, the necessary tools and especially taking time to prepare your soul for the entire ritual. It is where the bride and groom pay respect and show gratitude towards their family, who in turn blesses the newly weds as they start their life as husband and wife. The relaxing ritual of tea ceremony after a day of sightseeing. Find out more about traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the second part of the article. 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