Tea and Cultures

In some cultures, drinking a cup of tea is an elaborate ceremony and an essential expression of culture, while in other its part of a daily ritual.

Tea in China

Elaborate tea ceremonies are carried out to express goodwill, respect, and appreciation in the Chinese culture.

In addition, tea is an expressive part in the matchmaking and wedding process. When a man wishes to propose to a women, his family would send a matchmaker to the women’s family with a basket of tea gifts. The acceptance of the tea gifts means the acceptance of the marriage proposal; acceptance is expressed by drinking the tea. At the wedding, both the bride and groom will share a cup of tea during the ceremony.

Other tea customs include the offering of tea to the family elders on the first day of the New Year. The offering indicates respect and the request for continuous guidance and advice.

Tea in Russia

The most unique way of making tea is found in Russia. A samovar, a metal urn with a spigot, is used to boil water for tea. A small tea pot is placed on top of the samovar to brew concentrated black tea with the steams resulting from the boiled water. Tea is then served in a glass, ¼ of the glass is filled with the concentrated black tea, while the other ¾ is filled with boiling water to dilute the concentrated tea.

An interesting fact is that Russians do not add sugar to their tea; instead, they hold a cube of sugar between their teeth while drinking the tea. It should be noted that tea is served several times throughout the day and is consumed with food instead of water.

Tea in India

As an essential part of the Indian’s daily routine, tea is consumed several times per day and is offered to guests as a welcoming gesture along with a snack.

You may find tea in public places sold by “tea boys”. They run around with tea pots that are kept warm though out the day.

India is the home of Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Orissa Tea, and the home of Masala Chai. As each type of tea is named after the region it originates from, Masala Chi is a spicy combination of Indian spices and black tea. Some of the common spices used include; Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorn, and fennel seeds.