Serving Tea Means Respect: Would You Agree?
By Shavkat
@Shavkat (137214)
Philippines
May 7, 2016 1:08am CST
That body language is just the way of politely expressing one’s gratitude to the person who had served tea. It’s tea-drinking customs in China that dates back to about 400 years. The way of pouring tea means to say sorry about the wrongdoing. When children serve tea to their parents , it shows they’re swallowing their pride and that they’ve seen the error of their ways. Thus serving and pouring tea is done to express a heartfelt apology. It is vital that the apology is heartfelt to show the gesture of a person as a sign of respect by taking the situation seriously. Do you have any special customs to show respect to people?
Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/tea-teapot-tea-ceremony-teabags-1150046/
15 people like this
15 responses
@Sweesorrow (2)
• Nanjing, China
14 May 16
In my culture it may not mean apology but it shows our respect and sometimes it shows obedience to senior people .For example in ancient times Chinese brides would serve tea to their parents in law ,a process which is actually a test of their character and etiquette .In some places in Guangdong province , guests will tap the table softly to show their gratitude when hosts are pouring them tea .
1 person likes this
@Sweesorrow (2)
• Nanjing, China
17 May 16
@Shavkat Yep, people in Guangdong have some interesting customs
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
7 May 16
And I think, during a Chines marriage engagement ceremony, the bride-to-be serves tea to the future groom's parents to show respect then serves the tea to the rest afterwards. Don't know the exact order and details though but I'm sure the parents of the future groom is served first.
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@Shavkat (137214)
• Philippines
8 May 16
@sunrisefan It is really nice to have such cultures and we can learn from it.
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@rusty2rusty (6751)
• Defiance, Ohio
8 May 16
A custom in my country is to offer someone a drink of whatever you have in you home : Coffee, tea, water, soda pop, etc. Also to offer the guests something to eat.
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@kaka135 (14916)
• Malaysia
8 May 16
If I am not mistaken, the art of tea from China started much longer than 400 years, perhaps even more than 1000 years. I agree with the respect part, but I think saying sorry might be just one of the them. There are much more about the art of tea, but I didn't study much about it, so I can't tell much.
When we are having wedding ceremony, we need to serve tea to our elders as well, not only parents, perhaps that's to show our respect too. Some even do that on the first day of Chinese New Year every year. By the way, I am Chinese.
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@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
9 May 16
we usually just hug them or shake there hand and say sorry. please forgive me
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@Shavkat (137214)
• Philippines
10 May 16
@bunnybon7 I also do same gesture if done something wrong to others. I had noticed you are from Florida. Are you near in Palm Beach?
@quantum2020 (12040)
• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico
9 May 16
The only way children show politeness to the elder in my region is by doing errands; for example, if my uncle wants something from the store, then, he can tell me what he wants and I would go and get it for him.
A tip is included in the petition.
@Missmwngi (12927)
• Nairobi, Kenya
9 May 16
When you serve someone tea is a way of welcoming someone at your place
