Serving tea to guests is an ingrained etiquette in Chinese tradition. During festivals and social gatherings, tea transcends its role as a mere beverage for hospitality. It carries people's heartfelt wishes for peace, joy, and good fortune in daily life and throughout the year.
Zhejiang Province observes the classic Lunar New Year custom of drinking Ingot Tea. Golden kumquats and green olives are placed in tea bowls; when halved, they resemble ancient Chinese golden ingots, symbolizing fortune accumulation, family prosperity, and auspicious blessings for the new year.
A well-known local proverb in Fu'an, Fujian, states: "Three cups of tea at the year's start keep illness and troubles far apart." Locals brew sweet festive tea with tea leaves, rock sugar, red dates, and peanuts for holiday receptions.
Tea served during Spring Festival gatherings is called New Year Tea, while tea prepared for New Year's first outings is named Blessing Journey Tea. Its sweet, mellow flavor symbolizes smooth days and lasting health.
On festive occasions, the Dong ethnic group in eastern Guizhou gathers villagers to boil and shareGreen Bean Festival Tea. This collective tea-sharing tradition strengthens neighborhood bonds and embodies the simple warmth of rural Chinese folk culture.
Green Bean Festival Tea
