Chinese people love to serve Tea to their guests. Serving tea upon entry has three layers of meaning: First, it shows the host's respect for the guest, with a sense of courtesy contained within the tea; second, it demonstrates the host's hospitality, with the friendship between the host and guest, as well as the host's goodwill towards the guest, all embodied in this cup of tea; third, it adjusts the atmosphere, so that the host and guest are not overly restrained or awkward.

Serving tea and Drinking Tea carry a subtle psychological message of mutual understanding. Etiquette comes first in everything, and serving tea is no exception.

How should tea cups and tea pots be placed?

1. The process of placing the tea pot and tea cups should be orderly, balanced left and right, and there should be minimal obstruction if any;

2. If there is obstruction, then items should be arranged from lowest to highest, with shorter tea utensils like tea cups placed at the front of the guest's line of sight;

3. To show respect for the guests, the spout of the tea pot should not face the guest, and the patterns on the tea utensils (both tea pot and tea cups) should be oriented towards the guest, neatly arranged.

The tea pot's spout should not face the guest

When placing the tea pot, the spout should be outward, never facing the guest. In particular, old Beijing customs strictly prohibit pointing the spout at someone, because pointing the spout at someone means they are not welcome by the host. It implies a suggestion for them to leave.

Why is this said? In the past, when someone was about to depart, people would bid farewell using a ceremonial offering of tea (or wine), with the spout of the pot directed towards the person leaving. This symbolized that the person was about to depart. Therefore, pouring tea with the spout facing the guest is disrespectful, suggesting that the guest should leave.

The etiquette of pouring and serving tea

The method of pouring tea varies based on the different tea utensils used in various regions.

When pouring tea from a Teapot, one should pour for elders and guests first, holding the teapot with the right hand while lightly pressing the lid with the left, allowing the tea to flow out slowly. Do not fill the cup completely, seven to eight tenths full is enough, and the spout should not point at the guest after pouring. If using a lidded bowl for tea, each guest should have their own saucer and lidded bowl, and the tea should not be filled too much, with seven-tenths full being appropriate.

In the context of a discussion or mediation session referred to as “drinking tea,” pointing the spout at the other party becomes a form of provocation. In such situations, the person holding the teapot is often the mediator, typically with the spout pointed towards themselves. After the matter is resolved, one party may take the initiative to pour tea for everyone present, which signifies an acknowledgment of being in the wrong and an apology to the other party.

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