Chinese people have been fond of tea since ancient times, and China’s tea ceremony culture has a long history. Visitors come to the house, drink tea and chat about life, and send gifts to relatives and friends during holidays. Tea culture can be said to be extensive and profound, and is called the philosophy of beauty. The tea culture is different in every place. Let’s take a look at the unique Taiwanese tea ceremony culture in Taiwanese culture.
The tea ceremony is a life etiquette using tea as a medium, and it is a way of cultivating one's moral character. It enhances friendship, cultivates virtues, and learns etiquette through making, appreciating, and drinking tea, which is very consistent with the Eastern philosophy that advocates "purity and tranquility."
Tracing back to the origin of Taiwan’s tea art, it actually originated from the small pot brewing of “Kung Fu Tea” in Chaozhou, Guangdong, China. However, after it was introduced to Taiwan, since the late 1970s, through the dedicated study and transmission of countless local tea people, tea parties, and teahouses, it has been gradually integrated into Chinese literati aesthetics, Buddhist Zen contemplation, and even Japanese tea ceremony thinking and Taiwan's modern life atmosphere; until now, , has been transformed into a set of tea drinking and life culture that is completely different from the original source.
Taiwanese tea art focuses on paying attention to the tea itself, tea-related things, and creating an atmosphere for tea use. Appreciating the color, fragrance and appearance of tea leaves is an indispensable part of tea art; the artistry and superb skills of the brewing process make tea making a beautiful enjoyment; in addition, the appreciation and application of tea sets is a reflection of tea drinking and self-enlightenment Thoughts on self-cultivation, getting along with others, and the design of the tea-drinking environment are all included in tea art. The close connection between art and life and the integration of drinking and human cultivation have formed a friendly and natural form of tea drinking, which is becoming more and more accepted by people.
The tea culture in Taiwan is as simple and easy as integrating it into daily life. For many Taiwanese people, it is common for their families to sit around and drink tea together after dinner, or to go to the homes of relatives and friends to drink tea and chat during their free time. According to Tsai Chongsan, the person in charge of Caoqian Tea House, the tea culture pursued by Taiwanese people is actually "tea affairs", an art that is integrated with life.
Mainland China attaches great importance to tea art and the display of tea-making skills; Japan has many schools of tea ceremony and is quite rigorous. There are certain steps and procedures for eating tea; while in Taiwan, the tea ceremony is closely integrated with life and environment. "tea culture".
Taiwan’s tea ceremony culture is unique. It is different from the bustle of the mainland and not as serious as the Japanese tea ceremony. The Taiwanese tea ceremony is very silent. The master brewer carefully brews cups of fragrant tea for the guests to taste. Ming, sharing tea ceremony culture in a peaceful atmosphere, makes people feel like they have entered another pure and untainted country. For many Taiwanese, what they enjoy is a sense of comfort while drinking tea. Tea has an inclusive temperament. When gathering with family and friends, a cup of tea can always match the topic of the world, making everyone at the party feel relaxed and at ease.