Influence of tea on Chinese culture

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tea has had a major influence on the development of Chinese culture.

According to Chinese tradition, the original cup of tea was not invented but discovered in the course of daily affairs by the simple inhabitants in the hills of Min-nan, who found out the secret of preserving the essence of the green tea leaves. It was rolled and dried and good for keeping until when needed.

In modern China, virtually every dwelling--down to the simplest mud huts--has a set of tea implements for brewing a hot cup of tea. These implements are symbols of welcome for visitors or neighbors. Traditionally, a visitor to a Chinese home will be expected to sit down and drink tea while talking; the Chinese consider having such visits while standing to be uncouth. There are several types of tea. There is green tea, red tea, black tea, white tea, and flower tea. Tea leaves are tradionally produced by constantly turning fresh leaves in a deep bowl. This process allows it to dry with its full flavor ready to be used.