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There are several special circumstances
in which tea is prepared and consumed.
In China, the younger generation commonly
show respect to the older generation.
One traditional holiday activity is to
offer a cup of tea to one’s elders
at a family dinner gatherings.
In the past, people of lower ranks served
tea to those of higher ranks. Today, however,
parents may sometimes pour a cup of tea
for their children when at home, a boss
may even pour tea for subordinates at
restaurants. However, the lower ranking
person should not expect the higher rank
person to serve him or her tea on a formal
occasion.
In Chinese culture, people make serious
apologies to others by pouring them tea
as a sign of regret or submission.
In the traditional Chinese marriage ceremony,
the bride and groom kneel before their
parents and serve them tea to express
their gratitude. The parents usually drink
a small portion of the tea and then give
them a red envelope, which symbolizes
good luck.
This
article by Yang Tianqing and Daniel Kister.
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