In ancient China, tea drinking was not only a Xi of life, but also an art. Especially in the Eastern Han Dynasty, tea tasting was not only regarded as a kind of enjoyment, but also one of the important ways to reflect personal cultivation and status. So, at the banquets of that time, how did people show their gentlemanly demeanor through tea ceremonial performances?
The banquet of the Eastern Han Dynasty was not simply eating, drinking, and having fun as we understand it now, but a cultural event full of rituals. In this event, the host will invite some learned and famous people to participate, and various programs will be arranged at the table.
The tea ceremony performance is an important part. This performance is usually performed by servants who specialize in making tea, and they need to follow certain steps, such as boiling water, washing tea utensils, making tea, etc. These movements may seem simple, but they actually require a great deal of skill and patience.
The process of making tea is a very elegant act in itself. For example, the host will select the best tea leaves for the guests to taste, and will also accompany them with exquisite tea sets and exquisite food. This not only satisfies the appetite of the guests, but also allows them to feel the hospitality and noble taste of the host. In addition to making tea, there are some other forms of tea art performances, such as boiling tea, baking tea cakes, and so on. Each format has its own unique charm that allows participants to better experience the depth and breadth of tea culture.
Through tea ceremonial performances, the nobles of the Eastern Han Dynasty successfully demonstrated their gentlemanly demeanor and cultural literacy. This kind of behavior is not only a kind of respect for traditional culture, but also an affirmation of one's own lifestyle. Although our way of life has changed a lot, we can still draw inspiration from this ancient Xi to improve our taste and cultivation.