Tea Tips Bend Knuckles In Respect

When someone offers tea or pours tea for you, join the second and third fingers of the right hand together, bend them slightly and lightly knock the table twice in thanks. This etiquette, unique to the art of tea, has several stories associated with its origin. A popular version says that once Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Jiangnan disguised as a servant. When he entered a roadside teahouse, the owner, handed him the teapot to serve tea to the eunuch disguised as his master. Unable to betray his emperor, the nervous eunuch joined the second and third fingers of his right hand, bent them slightly and lightly knocked the table twice, as a sign of kneeling down to show respect. This particular etiquette slowly spread among the people Today, irrespective of age or station in life, lightly knocking the table twice in thanks is a custom. Bending the fingers is not essential; simply knocking the table lightly is enough to convey friendliness and respect.

Preparation Details

Posture
We are usually seated during the process of brewing tea. Sit upright Keep legs naturally aligned and straight, either forming a 90 degree right angle with the floor or slightly angled. If seated on a sola, or a slightly lower chair, keep legs naturally aligned and angled either to the left or right. Keep shoulders back, appearing both tall and alert.

Hands
The process of brewing tea involves our hands. Therefore, eyes usually are focused on the hands of the person brewing the tea. The mood, confidence, breeding of the person brewing the tea is all reflected through the "expressions" of the hands. Professional tea servers usually have beautiful and well-cared for hands.
When the hands are at rest, either cross hands and place them on the lap or rest them lightly on the tea towel. Too-relaxed shoulders or fluttering hands appear coarse and inelegant.

Attire
Comfort is the first consideration when choosing the attire. It should not be too formal or too casual. If you choose to wear a long dress or jacket, be sure to tuck the skirt while sitting. Remember to pull the sleeves back as well in case it hampers you during the process of brewing the tea.

Environment
People who enjoy tea time prefer a clean and comfortable environment. Whether the background is Oriental or Western is inconsequential. The ambience is the most important factor for a tea connoisseur.

Music
Some people like to listen to music while brewing tea with Japanese tea sets. Light and soothing music such as zither, guqin, flute, violin or piano pieces are all suitable accompaniments. Light music relaxes the mind and creates a soothing atmosphere. However, music is not mandatory. The choice of music depends on personal preferences and habits.

A Master Tea Brewer Focuses On The Details

According to tea expert Mr. Kou Dan, "The fine art of brewing tea lies in the technique of brewing a good pot of tea and the appreciation of a cup of tea." Tea is an integral I part of everyone's life. If the tea is only to quench thirst, one only needs to boil a handful of tea leaves. However, if you are looking for spiritual satisfaction, brewing tea becomes a form of art I that requires skill, time and mood. The entire 1 process of brewing tea-choosing the tea leaves, selecting the type of water, choosing the tea set-should be an enjoyable one, leading to the true appreciation of the tea. To become a connoisseur of tea, one must first master the technique of brewing a quality pot of tea.
Regardless of whether you are brewing a pot of tea for yourself or for a social gathering, pay particular attention to the details. This will ensure a final brew of exceptional fragrance and quality tea. Elegant execution reflects one's taste and character. The attention to details reflects one's breeding. The art of drinking and brewing tea is in (act a process of sell-improvement and personal cultivation.