Tea is the world¡¯s most popular beverage. As Indians we pride ourselves on our consumption of tea. But people in the Orient take their tea a lot more seriously than we do. With proper ceremonies in place, drinking tea is a fine art. We delve into the finer nuances of tea and its rituals from different oriental cultures.?
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China is where the first tea leaf was discovered. Tea was used mostly for medicinal purposes and as a part of temple rituals. The Chinese monks would drink tea for its calming effect and meditative quality. The beverage¡¯s importance during religious ceremonies led to the birth of the tea ceremony.?
The Chinese Tea ceremony is referred to as Gong Fu. The tea master preparing the tea for the group is regarded as an artist. The actual ceremony is all about careful selection of the teas, using pure, clean water, pouring the water using artistic moves, and having the right tools - ?Yixing teapot or a porcelain teapot, a tea pitcher or chahai, a brewing tray, a teaspoon, usually three small cups and a tea strainer.?
Few know this, but these ceremonies are an integral part of Chinese weddings. Tea is seen as a symbol of fertility and stability. As per tradition the bride and groom prepare the tea which is first served to the elders and then to the guests. The couple is then presented with gifts.?
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In Japan, tea production started around the 12th century and was influenced by the Chinese models.?
The tea ceremony is referred to as a Way of Life or Chado in the local language. It is influenced by Zen Buddhism and can be a quick informal ceremony using thin matcha tea (usucha), or a more elaborate affair lasting a few hours, accompanied by a traditional multi-course meal (kaiseki). For the more formal gathering, a thicker version of the macha tea called koicha is used. In some ceremonies, a leaf tea is opted for instead. The tea is served in fine pottery, porcelain or lacquer cups. It is a spiritual practice where the objective is to get people together in a spirit of harmony. The ritual requires an aesthetic understanding of flower arrangements, proper selection of utensils and cooking the kaiseki. These preparations begin a week in advance and the event is usually held in the garden or the tea room of the host¡¯s residence, making for an unforgettable sensory experience.?
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The Korean tea ceremony is referred to as Darye. It is a cross between the Japanese and the Chinese ceremonies and the emphasis lies on enjoying the tea and its flavours. In Korea as well, the tradition traces its roots to Buddhist practices.
Korean green teas are heated on an iron pot within a few hours of being picked. They are then rolled by hand and dried in the shade. This allows for the tea leaves to infuse clear light liquids.?
The preparation requires a tea set consisting of a tea pot, and three or five cups that are larger in size than the tiny Chinese ones. In addition, there is a large bowl for cooling the boiled hot water, with a lip for pouring the cooled water into the empty pot. A separate pot is kept aside for infusions. The focus is on the quality of water and its temperature. And interestingly, in the Korean tea ceremony, the tea master can be a woman; it doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be a male figure.?
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The Taiwan tea ceremony is a mix of the Japanese and Chinese cultures ¨C the usage of incense sticks, calligraphy items and flower arrangements. There are a number of tea houses or tea-art shops located all across Taiwan. It is the Gong Fu ceremony which is most popular and Oolong tea is served.?
However, Taiwan is known more for its bubble tea culture. The concept started here and has spread to other parts of the world. Passion fruit, strawberry, mango, honey ¨C they have it all!
What¡¯s your flavour??
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This country has the most distinct tea drinking culture. Tea is not just sipped but also eaten! Laphet is a fermented tea leaf which has been used in Burmese tradition since ancient times. The young leaves are plucked and fired before being buried underground for a period of four to seven months. It¡¯s kept underground till it is ready for sale.?
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Thailand grows its share of oolongs and organic tea, but the country is best known for milk iced tea beverage. Thai Iced Tea, as it¡¯s popularly called, is a strong, black tea mixed with spices, sugar, condensed milk and coconut milk.?
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Tibet is known for its butter tea made from yak milk. Black tea leaves are simmered overnight to prepare a strong concentrate. Once ready, it is then churned in a special vessel. Yak milk or goat¡¯s milk butter along with salt is added to it to create a frothy mix. Consumed daily, this tea is high on nutrition value because of its caloric count and is best suited for high altitudes. It is believed that Tibetans can drink almost 40-60 cups a day!
As a part of Tibetan hospitality, guests are offered a bowl of tea. The host will keep refilling the bowl till the time the guests don¡¯t leave, so that they have enough to last them for the entire duration of the visit.?
In Bhutan, the same tea is served with rice puffs added to the mixture. The local name for it is Suja tea.?
Did we mention that it¡¯s also good for chapped lips?
So, how would you like your cuppa??
Cover image courtesy exploration-online.com