With the chime of the New Year bell, 2017 arrives as scheduled. As January comes, the New Year is not far away. Chinese New Year is the grandest festival in China, a time for family reunions and visiting relatives and friends. A meaningful New Year's gift is indispensable. Tea, as a symbol of health and a Chinese tradition, is undoubtedly the top choice for this festive season.

So why give tea during Chinese New Year? What is the significance?

First, tea is the national drink—giving tea means giving culture.

For five thousand years, tea culture, as a symbol of Eastern civilization, has been deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. The seven daily necessities—"firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea"—show how familiar Chinese people are with tea. From emperors, scholars, and poets to laborers and common folk, tea is cherished by all.

In traditional Chinese festivals, tea plays a role in various celebrations: as a matchmaker during the Qixi Festival, a companion for moon-gazing during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a health booster for the elderly during the Double Ninth Festival, and a hospitality gesture during Chinese New Year. Tea is not just a medium for gatherings and blessings but also a cultural symbol of Chinese festivals. Therefore, giving tea during holidays conveys culture and taste.

Second, tea promotes health—giving tea means giving well-being.

Tea is the world's number one health beverage. Legend has it that Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs and used tea as an antidote. Drinking tea can quench thirst, aid digestion, detoxify, relieve hangovers, promote urination, alleviate gout, prevent radiation, and slow aging. Both ancient medical texts and modern research affirm its medicinal benefits.

Especially in modern life, with high stress and widespread sub-health conditions, tea has become a globally popular wellness drink. The idea of "giving tea for health" is deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Third, tea culture is profound and beneficial to health.

With growing health awareness, more people are drinking tea. China, as a nation of etiquette, values hospitality, and the tradition of gifting tea has long been prevalent. The health benefits of tea have also gained recognition in recent years. Even before Chinese New Year arrives, the gift market is already filled with the aroma of tea.