Tea was used as medicine in ancient times, later gradually becoming a beverage, and eventually rising to a philosophy.

It naturally possesses a certain ability to connect people and ideas. In ancient ritualistic societies, this was expressed through the form of tea ceremonies, which served as an indispensable elite culture of that era.

Today, making tea certainly cannot replicate the complex etiquette of the past, but some details are still worth noting.

I. Clean Tea Ware

1. When guests enter, first invite them to sit, then prepare tea.

2. Before brewing tea, always clean the tea ware thoroughly. Especially tea sets that have been unused for a while may collect dust or stains, so they require careful cleaning.

3. Before brewing or pouring tea, it's best to rinse the teapot and cups with hot water. This practice is both hygienic and courteous.

4. Remember to place cups on saucers to prevent guests from burning their hands and being unable to hold the cup immediately.

II. Appropriate Amount of Tea and Water

1. First, regarding tea leaves: neither too much nor too little should be used.

2. Too many leaves make the tea too strong; too few result in a bland brew.

3. If a guest specifies a preference for strong or weak tea, prepare it according to their taste.

4. When pouring tea, whether into large or small cups, avoid filling them too full, as overflow can wet the table.

5. Of course, don't pour too little either. Serving a cup with tea barely covering the bottom may give the impression of being insincere or merely going through the motions.

III. Proper Way to Serve Tea

1. According to traditional customs, serve tea to guests using both hands.

2. When using both hands, pay attention: for cups with handles, usually hold the handle with one hand and support the bottom with the other while offering the tea.

3. For handleless cups filled with tea, you can hold the saucer with both hands when presenting it to the guest.

IV. Orderly Refilling of Tea

1. When refilling a guest's cup, follow the principle of prioritizing elders and ladies.

2. In group conversations, if the discussion hits an awkward pause, refilling tea offers a great advantage—it's the perfect way to cover up moments when you're unsure what to say.

3. Of course, after refilling tea for superiors and elders, remember to refill your own cup last.