See if you make these mistakes and remember to correct them.
01
Can a Tea drinker recline in their chair while the tea preparer makes tea and serves it to them?
No.
While reclining may be comfortable and relaxed at home, doing so in public can appear arrogant and disrespectful, as if not taking the tea preparer seriously. Proper Etiquette requires an upright posture, with feet firmly on the ground and hands casually resting on the knees.
02
When the tea preparer serves tea to the tea drinker, can the latter continue chatting and ignore the preparer?
No.
In principle, during tea preparation and tasting, we should maintain silence to fully appreciate and enjoy this “work of tea.” Therefore, chatting is not allowed. In some “social” tea gatherings, light conversation is acceptable, but when the preparer serves tea, the drinkers should pause their chat to accept the offering and thank the preparer.
03
In a meeting, when the tea preparer serves tea to attendees, can they ignore the preparer?
No.
Attendees should not be solely engaged in greetings or speeches; they should take a moment to nod or smile at the preparer as a sign of gratitude. It's important not to view the preparer as an interruption; serving tea one by one is a sign of respect for the attendees. Some meetings place all the tea on the table before guests arrive, which is incorrect.
04
When a student serves tea to a teacher during class, what should the teacher do?
The teacher should stand (or sit) properly to accept the tea, look at the server, and thank them. They shouldn't dismiss the gesture as presumptuous or interruptive.
The student has prepared the tea especially for the teacher, which is a high form of respect that the teacher should graciously accept.
05
Can a tea drinker sit with their legs crossed and hands on their ankles while waiting for tea?
No.
This posture appears disrespectful and unsanitary. Instead, sit with both feet and hands steady, with your back gently leaning against the chair back, if there is one.
06
Should a tea drinker tap the table with their fingers when the preparer serves tea?
Not necessary.
Some say this tapping signifies politeness and thanks to the preparer. However, we believe this “thank you” is too casual. A more sincere approach would be to bow slightly or express thanks directly.
Some people elaborate that this gesture was used in ancient times to signify a bow to the emperor, specifying which finger to use and how many taps. We consider this “bowing” to be baseless and inappropriate for contemporary life. Modern individuals should think in modern terms and find ways that suit modern living.
07
Should one blow on the tea before drinking?
Not necessary.
Allow hot tea to cool down naturally on the table before drinking. While it's true that the right temperature enhances the flavor, there's no need to rush and blow on it, which can seem greedy. Patience is key.
Some even instruct how to blow, as if there's a technique involved, but this only leads to impatience. The focus should be on waiting, spending the necessary time to truly savor the tea. The act of blowing isn't about technique but about mindset.
08
Should one make noise while drinking tea?
There should be no rule about making noise.
If there's natural sound, let it be; if there's none, don't force it. Don't judge a tea drinker's professionalism, ability to appreciate tea, manners, or the quality of the tea based on whether they make noise or how loud it is.
To effectively taste tea, concentrate and perhaps close your eyes, savor the tea slowly, and open every cell in your body to its aroma. The action and sounds of drinking tea don't need to be specific, just genuine.
09
Should one finish their cup of tea?
Yes.
The amount of tea in a small pot is minimal, and finishing it should be effortless. If the tea is too strong to finish, politely ask the preparer to add a little water, then drink it all. What if there are tea particles at the bottom of the cup?
It's fine to have some tea particles in the tea; they don't affect the flavor or health. Drink the entire cup. Some people leave half of each cup or a sip in the cup, which shows a lack of basic respect for both the tea and the host.
10
Can a tea drinker reach into the preparer's “territory” to get the Teapot or Teaware to serve themselves?
No.
Both the preparer and drinkers have their own “territories,” and one should not cross these boundaries to fetch tea tools or tea. When it's your turn, the items will be passed to you. Trust the preparer's timing for serving tea.
11
Is there a “cheers” ritual when drinking tea?
No.
Tea is suited for savoring slowly rather than for boisterous celebrations. Its rich flavors allow it to stand alone and radiate its own charm, without needing to replace alcohol. Those who prefer alcohol should find a suitable place for it.
12
Is it okay for a tea drinker to ask “What kind of tea?” when someone is preparing or serving tea?
Don't drink with your “ears.”
Appreciate the preparer's planning, recognize their unique qualities, and discern what makes the tea special. By doing so, the drinker will know what type of tea they're enjoying. Moreover, the type of tea isn't as important as having the ability to appreciate different teas and the capacity to accept each one.
13
Should a tea drinker hold their cup with their fingers forming a “orchid finger” or any other specific gesture?
There's no need for any specific gesture.
Avoid raising any fingers, as it looks awkward and lacks meaning. Hold the cup steadily without spilling the tea or burning your hand. Holding the rim with your thumb and index finger and supporting the bottom with your middle finger is a good gesture, but don't treat it as a strict rule. Not supporting the bottom is also acceptable.
14
Can a tea drinker smoke while drinking tea?
No.
The tea area is a non-smoking zone, and smoking should be done in designated areas. Furthermore, Tea drinking requires a dedicated block of time to focus solely on the experience, not to multitask. Even if there's a smoking area nearby, avoid leaving to smoke.
15
Can a tea drinker immediately leave after finishing the last cup of tea