In many parts of the world, the act of preparing tea is regarded as a sacred ritual with a deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Unlike the ready-to-drink overly-sugary teas and quick brewing hacks of today, tea culture was meant to celebrate slow living and encourage having a soulful time by oneself or in the company of others.
The reason you drink tea might be for the health benefits it offers or simply because you like how refreshing it can be. That said, have you considered creating a ritual around it?
Let’s take a look at how tea rituals are practised in different regions.
China
The land from where it all began, China’s journey with tea dates back to 2737 BC. The Chinese value the quality of tea above all else, emphasising the art of tea-making.
The Gongfu ceremony involves a series of steps that are followed to the T. The host will select the tea to be brewed, rinse the leaves, steep them in a teapot, pour some of the infused water into clay cups to rinse them and shortly after discard the warm water.
This detailed brewing method consists of many more steps and it highlights the tea’s flavour while also establishing a peaceful environment in which both the host and the guests can relax.
Loose tea leaves are used to brew tea. Multiple infusions of tea are made to explore different flavours.
In many circumstances, it is customary for the young to brew and serve tea to the older members.
Japan
To date, the Japanese tea ritual is associated with Buddhist principles. It stands for tranquility and fostering connection between people.
In this traditional ritual known as chanoyu, tea is ceremonially prepared and served by either a tea master or the host at the house. It is a far more drawn-out process compared to adding hot water to a mug with dip bags.
As you may know, the word “matcha” is Japanese for powdered tea. The main utensils used in the ritual are a tea bowl and a bamboo whisk. The host creates the tea mixture by whipping matcha powder and a little hot water. Once it is frothy, more hot water is added to it to make the steaming-hot earthy brew.
The tea ritual is usually conducted in a specific tea room, and the host prepares the tea with great care and attention. It is said that during this phase, everyone maintains silence as a way of acknowledging the ritual and participating in the mindful atmosphere.
After serving the guests the tea, the host also offers sweet cakes that make the bitterness of the matcha less overwhelming. There’s a great deal of etiquette and cultural relevance that goes into the Japanese tea ritual.
India
The moment you think of India and tea, you’re probably picturing mugs of masala chai.
Much like the other tea rituals, in India too, it is a symbol of hospitality. Additionally, it contains the warmth of Indian culture, filling rooms with the heartiness of conversation as much as the aroma of the beverage.
Spices are a crucial ingredient in India’s approach to tea. From cardamom to ginger and star anise to cloves, you’re likely to taste a variety of interesting notes that blend well with the tea base.
Tea is prepared in a stovetop saucepan, where the brew is simmered down to a flavourful decoction. It is then poured through a sieve into small cups. In many regions, the responsibility to prepare tea in such a ritualistic way often falls on the daughter-in-law in the house.
One of the reasons why many Indians feel completely at home with their daily habit of drinking tea is that it has been passed down from generation to generation, especially owing to its ties to traditional medicine, i.e. Ayurveda.
Tea is often accompanied by snacks that are a varying mixture of well-seasoned crisps.
Britain
In the West, no region can claim a deeper love for tea than the Brits do.
You’ve certainly heard of the term “afternoon tea”. It’s a social event in Britain that is typically organised in the late afternoon. It’s not just the clinking of tea cups and saucers that appeals to your senses but the mouth-watering array of finger foods, such as sandwiches and pastries.
Having the spread set out on the table in exquisite crockery is a part of the practice as it adds a sense of grace and elegance to the tradition.
Alternatively, high tea is also a custom that is practised in many households. Here, the blends usually chosen are more potent black teas compared to the herbal teas or Earl Gray blend enjoyed during afternoon tea.
While afternoon tea is meant to bridge the gap between meals, tea culture in Britain is as much about leisure as it’s about making conversation with the people around you.
Russia
One look at a samovar and you’ll know just how seriously the Russians take their tea business. Well, technically the samovar is a vessel used to boil water. But it has become a part of the tea ritual in Russia.
Inside the samovar, charcoal, wood, and pinecones are placed to create a chamber for the fire. This too adds to the aroma of the tea, making the smoky intense notes a classic aspect of Russian tea culture. The samovar has a tap through which the tea is poured.
A sense of community permeates the art of preparing tea here. Made in a teapot, the beverage is diluted with hot water before being served to people.
It is often accompanied by sweets, jams, or pastries, that go well with the strong flavour of the black tea.
Fun fact - it is a long-standing tradition to drink tea with a cube of sugar in the mouth. This practice may not be as common today due to the selection of sweeteners available.
Tea rituals engage your senses, compelling you to participate more wholeheartedly in making yourself tea. It becomes a mindful habit that lends to your overall well-being.
Ready to craft a tea ritual that’s just yours?