Over the centuries, tea has played a central role in Chinese culture and has evolved into an art form in its own right. Tea was first discovered in China more than 4,000 years ago and according to legend, it was Emperor Shen Nung who discovered the tea when leaves from a tea bush accidentally fell into his boiling water. He was fascinated by the aroma and taste and thus introduced the tea to the Chinese. Through thousands of years and up to today, tea culture has developed in China and tea has created many traditions.
China is known for its traditional tea ceremonies, where tea brewing is an art form that has become more and more refined over the centuries. One of the most famous ceremonies is the Gongfu tea ceremony, where every movement is performed with precision and aesthetic elegance. Brewing tea becomes a meditative practice and a way of showing respect for the tea. In connection with various festivals and celebrations, tea also plays an important role. During the Qingming festival, people remember their ancestors by brewing and offering tea to them and during the Chinese New Year, tea is also a central part of the celebration. Families gather around a tea table and share tea as a gesture for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
Besides being a popular beverage, tea also has symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. Tea symbolizes hospitality, respect, harmony and humility. It is often served to guests as a gesture of welcome and appreciation.
In China, teahouses are important social meeting places where people gather to enjoy tea, discuss philosophy or play traditional games such as mahjong. The teahouses function as places of intellectual and cultural exchange and are an integral part of Chinese social life.
If you want to experience a bit of the traditional tea culture combined with western design, you are welcome to drop by our tea bar in Elmegade. Here you can both enjoy a cup of classic organic green tea or taste one of our TeLatters, where we combine the traditional with the modern.
And in addition, we regularly hold tea tastings either in our tea bar or you can book us for your event and hold a tea tasting for your guests.
Photo: Traditional teapot at Milan airport
