February 2nd, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Chinese Tea Culture
Salmon lou sang
During dinner last Sunday over salmon lou sang and poon choi at UK Four Seasons, we spoke about a few things, amongst which, the Chinese tea culture.
Have you guys ever wondered why do we tap our fingers on the table when a friend pours us tea?
Poon Choi
A friend’s dad used to work in the timber industry. Those who are familiar with hiking understand very well that they should not call out names when they are in the dense forest. Calling out names would invite spirits to also call out to you and would somehow cause mishaps and accidents. So, most hikers would keep silent as they hike and would not walk anymore when it turns dark. So do the timber workers. When they work, they would not talk to each other and do things as quietly as possible in order not to disrupt the spirits in the forest. Hence, when it comes to lunch and drinking tea, they would go about it silently and they would tap their fingers on the table to show their gratitude when someone pour them tea.
We also learn that, this gesture has been carried out since the many Chinese dynasties in yester centuries. Amy pointed out that, there was a story in the Ching Dynasty back then which the thanking gesture of tapping fingers eventually made its way till today.
A quick check on the internet reveals the origin on tapping fingers on the table to gesture thanks.
In the Ching Dynasty some 300-400 years ago, the emperor liked to dress casual and visit his kingdom. Servants were told to stay low profile in order not to reveal their master’s identity. One day in a restaurant, the emperor, after pouring himself a cup of tea, filled the servant’s cup as well. To the servant, it was a huge grace having the emperor pours him a cup of tea. Out of reflex, he wanted to kneel down and thanked his master. But he was stopped because that would give away the emperor’s identity. So instead of kneeling on his knees, the servant knelt with his fingers.
That “thanks” knock is still in use today in the 21st century.
I am in the festive mood already for Chinese New Year this year, which is very rare. Don’t know why. I have been going out to have reunion dinners with friends. I am looking forward to the reunion dinner with the family this 13th February in Port Weld, Taiping. It’s going to be big!