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There is an ancient Chinese proverb that
says it is "better to be deprived of food for three days, than of tea
for one." This may sound rather drastic, but it goes to show how much
the Chinese appreciate their tea. In fact, Chinese tea culture is still
going strong in the modern world, with many teahouses across the city
serving up traditional tea ceremonies.
Chinese tea ceremony embraces the
Confucian outlook on life: being tolerant, optimistic, enthusiastic and
sober - all at the same time. Traditionally, drinking tea was a way of
life, and not just a method of quenching thirst. The main purpose of
drinking tea was to cultivate friendships and express one's inner
spirit. The Chinese believe that during the process of drinking tea the
material and the spiritual merge, which helps to develop and maintain
our vital spirit.
As well as being a spiritual drink,
Chinese tea is known to be a health elixir and is believed to maintain
fitness level if consumed over a long period of time. Some of the
benefits include dispelling the effects of alcohol and relieving
headaches and fatigue. There are also certain chemicals in tea that
eliminate our body's toxins and help unclog arteries.
Chinese tea ceremony is indeed a very
intricate process that can take a long time to master. Patience is the
keyword because tea takes some time to settle. The materials used are
tea leaves and a tea set - comprising a clay teapot, a fair cup, a
porcelain fragrance cup, and teacups. The process is uniquely Chinese,
and to experience it first hand, just drop by one of the many
traditional teahouses in the Chinatown area. There are experts there who
will be more than willing to show you the steps involved in conducting a
traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Be sure to observe the delicate
movements made by the tea brewer, and once you have mastered the art,
you can conduct the ceremony on your own after getting the necessary
tools.
Whether you are looking for a traditional
Chinese experience or you are just plain thirsty, Chinese tea ceremony
offers a relaxing ritual to clear your mind and maintain spiritual
peace. And that is just what you will need after an afternoon traipsing
around Chinatown.
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