What is the Chinese Tea Ceremony?
At New York’s Asia Society, Mrs. Ellen Lii conducts the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Another reason why Mark Lii’s enterprise became such a hit in Chinatown and with celebrities was that his lovely wife, Ellen, would frequently demonstrate the traditional tea ceremony. The ceremony is more like a French wine tasing than the familiar Japanese ritual of tea tasting. Fine teas are poured out for the enjoyment of their aroma and taste, and snacks are oftern served. A gregarious spirit is encouraged and people are free to chat and react, unlike the Japanese tea ceremony which was derived from China in the Tang Dynasty. It has slowly evolved and is now very formal and ritualized. And not as much fun.
