喝茶要懂“礼”

2020-10-20

疯狂英语·新悦读 2020年8期

难词探意

1.etiquette/'etɪkət/n.礼节；礼仪；规矩

2.connotation/'kɒnə'teɪʃn/n.隐含意义

3.scented tea 花茶

In the modern era,Chinese tea culture has become a symbol of etiquette in all aspects of people's lives.Here we discuss several special situations in which tea is prepared and consumed.

For showing respect

Tea-drinking is a sign of respect in Chinese social life,whether in ancient or modern times.But the connotations are different.In the past,Chinese people followed strict rules and rituals in serving tea.For example,people of lower social classes had to show their respect to the upper classes by serving them a cup of tea on the Spring Festival or at other festival times.Today,this rule has been banned by the prevailing custom to offer tea when someone comes for a visit,regardless of class,showing the host's warm welcome and hospitality to the guest.

For expressing gratitude to parents

It has been a tradition from ancient times for bride and groom to kneel before their parents and serve them tea during the Chinese wedding ceremony.This is a good way of showing gratitude for the love and care received from parents ever since childhood.

Sometimes the bride serves the groom's family,and the groom serves the bride's family.This process symbolizes the joining together of the two families.

For offering sacrifices to ancestors

In China's colorful folk customs,there is a close relationship between “tea” and funeral sacrifices.The idea that “No tea means no mourning”is deeply rooted in Chinese rituals.The ancient custom of offering tea as a sacrifice to ancestors is well preserved even to this day,whether among the majority Han nationality or the ethnic minorities.

Etiquette of tea-drinking

1.The environment for drinking tea should be quiet,clean and comfortable,giving people the sense of being at ease.

2.The selected tea may vary according to individuals.For instance,northerners generally like scented tea,but people from regions south of the Yangtze River love green tea,while Cantonese people prefer oolong tea.

3.Tea sets can either be beautifully crafted or simple.

4.Don't pour the cup too full;80% full would be fine.

Reading Check

Ⅰ.Choose the best answer for each question.

1.What can we learn from the part of“For showing respect”?

A.The meanings of showing respect by tea-drinking are similar.

B.In the past,tea was served only on the Spring Festival.

C.Lower classes didn't need to offer tea to the upper classes in the past.

D.People often show welcome to visitors by offering tea today.

2.Which of the following best explains “prevailing” underlined in paragraph 2?

A.Modern. B.Advanced. C.Creative. D.Popular.

3.In order to obey the etiquette of tea-drinking,we should_____.