Emperors first used authentic china tea sets thousands of years ago. At that time, certain tea-drinking customs came into play that are still respected to this day.
One of the customs is finger tapping, which amazes many who are new to the world of Chinese tea. It is a gesture that shows your respect to your host.
As the Chinese tea customs go, when tea is served, the guests should thank their host for the tea. However, many find it interesting that rather than say it, the Chinese simply tap the table with three of their fingers (the middle, index, and ring fingers). Each time you get your cup refilled, you repeat the gesture.
You may think this comes from some strange, mystical superstition. But really, this custom comes from a very real incident during the Qing dynasty.
At that time, the ruling emperor traveled all over the empire to see how everyday people were doing. He would go literally everywhere in the country. But he never missed a visit to the local tea house.
In one small village, the emperor and his entourage were greatly impressed at how the local tea house owner poured tea for his guests. They did it by leaning in an acrobatic way all around the table. The emperor decided he must try this technique himself.
Normally everyone would have to bow down to the emperor at first sight, and of course if the emperor ever served you tea you had to hank him in some way! But there was no way for them to bow down, because doing so would completely blow the emperor's cover.
Then, in a stroke of brilliance, one of the emperor's companions tapped his fingers on the table, representing the bow that was usually demanded.
And that's how this custom was started. This story spread all around the country, and before long everyone was doing the same thing. It was the latest addition to Chinese tea culture!
Next time you visit a Chinese tea house, try to observe the interesting finger tapping technique to quietly thank your host for their delicious Chinese tea and beautiful China tea sets! - 30294
One of the customs is finger tapping, which amazes many who are new to the world of Chinese tea. It is a gesture that shows your respect to your host.
As the Chinese tea customs go, when tea is served, the guests should thank their host for the tea. However, many find it interesting that rather than say it, the Chinese simply tap the table with three of their fingers (the middle, index, and ring fingers). Each time you get your cup refilled, you repeat the gesture.
You may think this comes from some strange, mystical superstition. But really, this custom comes from a very real incident during the Qing dynasty.
At that time, the ruling emperor traveled all over the empire to see how everyday people were doing. He would go literally everywhere in the country. But he never missed a visit to the local tea house.
In one small village, the emperor and his entourage were greatly impressed at how the local tea house owner poured tea for his guests. They did it by leaning in an acrobatic way all around the table. The emperor decided he must try this technique himself.
Normally everyone would have to bow down to the emperor at first sight, and of course if the emperor ever served you tea you had to hank him in some way! But there was no way for them to bow down, because doing so would completely blow the emperor's cover.
Then, in a stroke of brilliance, one of the emperor's companions tapped his fingers on the table, representing the bow that was usually demanded.
And that's how this custom was started. This story spread all around the country, and before long everyone was doing the same thing. It was the latest addition to Chinese tea culture!
Next time you visit a Chinese tea house, try to observe the interesting finger tapping technique to quietly thank your host for their delicious Chinese tea and beautiful China tea sets! - 30294
About the Author:
D. Cheng has written about Chinese culture, calligraphy, and arts & crafts such as Jingdezhen china tea sets for ages. Once in a while, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. See samples of quality Chinese tea sets.
