VI
EN
Tea culture has been a continuous flow throughout history, deeply ingrained in the lives and souls of the Vietnamese people. Tea has originated from, been closely associated with, and possesses a powerful vitality, much like the lives of the Vietnamese people throughout their long 4000-year history.
The aroma of Vietnamese tea, the soul of Vietnam from ancient times.
Legend has it that thousands of years ago, during a visit to the South, Emperor Shen Nong mistakenly drank a concoction made from a type of leaf. After drinking it, the emperor not only felt refreshed and invigorated, but the sweet and slightly bitter aftertaste left a lasting impression. He called this leaf "tea leaf" and decided to cultivate and widely use the tea plant.
Tea set from the Nguyen Dynasty
According to another account, due to Vietnam's history of thousands of years under Chinese domination, China exploited and oppressed the Vietnamese people, forcing them to learn the Chinese language and culture. This undoubtedly included Chinese tea ceremony culture. This is seen as a way of adopting Chinese tea ceremony culture in Vietnam. However, over thousands of years of nation-building and defense, our ancestors considered tea drinking a unique cultural aspect of the Vietnamese people, with many distinctive features of our country, thus forming the art of Vietnamese tea ceremony with its own essence and flavor.
Tea ceremony preserves the soul and character of the Vietnamese people.
There was a time when tea was almost exclusively consumed by royalty and the elite. However, it has become increasingly accessible and commonplace, appearing everywhere without class distinctions. Although Vietnamese tea culture has undergone many changes, the art of tea appreciation still retains its unique beauty and reflects the customs and character of the Vietnamese people.
Because it was consumed by the upper class, tea making was once a very elaborate process. Each drop of pure morning dew clinging to lotus buds was carefully collected and brought back to brew tea. Our ancestors also used rainwater to brew tea, giving the tea a subtly sweet taste, and leaving a lingering sweetness in the throat after drinking.
The language of the soul in every sip of tea.
Unlike the elaborate rituals of Japanese tea ceremony or the rich history of Chinese tea, Vietnamese tea ceremony possesses an unusually simple and rustic beauty. Under the shade of ancient banyan trees or beside cool green bamboo fences, Vietnamese people sip their tea, their souls seemingly merging with nature.
The simplicity of our people is reflected in the way we drink and enjoy tea.
The banyan tree, the well, the village communal house—familiar images of Vietnamese villages—are also places where neighbors gather to enjoy a cup of fragrant tea together. In that cozy space, community bonds are strengthened, and everyday stories are shared. The simple village scenery becomes an ideal setting for people to chat and share stories about their daily lives.
A cup of tea to start the conversation.
"A cup of tea to start the conversation."It serves as a bridge, bringing strangers closer together. Despite its simple and unpretentious appearance, Vietnamese tea ceremony is not synonymous with carelessness, but rather embodies a world of sophistication. Each cup of tea is the result of a harmonious blend of nature and the skillful hands of the artisan. With their dexterous hands and love for tea, they breathe life into every sip, creating unique and unforgettable flavors. Though simple, the taste of Vietnamese tea remains rich, sweet and slightly bitter, possessing a distinct character."
When talking about principles, we must mention "First, water – Second, tea – Third, cup – Fourth, vase – Fifth, gathering of friends"The 'first water' used for brewing tea must be rainwater collected from the sky or natural spring water. Later, many people also used water from deep wells or morning dew collected on leaves to brew tea. The water is boiled and then cooled to about 75-90 degrees Celsius, depending on the requirements of each type of tea, to avoid losing its original flavor."
In fact, tea drinking is even considered an art form, ranking at the top of culinary arts.
"Second-class tea" refers to tea that must meet five criteria: color, clarity, aroma, taste, and spirit. The brewed tea should have an elegant color, a delicate yet enduring aroma, a moderately warm temperature, and a sweet and slightly bitter aftertaste. And finally, "spirit"—the captivating allure of the tea that makes it unforgettable for the drinker.
The tea leaves used also carry their own stories.
"Three cups" refers to the teacups, which must be sufficient for the number of people using them. Before pouring the tea, the cups should be rinsed with boiling water to maintain hygiene and prevent temperature discrepancies. "Four teapots" refers to the teapots used for brewing tea. These are usually earthenware teapots fired at high temperatures. The teapots must retain heat and be free from impurities. "Five companions" means tea-drinking companions, or close friends, to discuss life and matters of the soul.
Like “Learn to eat, learn to speak / Learn to wrap, learn to unwrapBefore enjoying a delicious cup of tea, one must learn how to serve it. Each tea offering is a solemn ritual, expressing respect and gratitude. The "three dragons holding a pearl" gesture when lifting the teacup is not only a technical movement but also a formal greeting, conveying sincere feelings.
In the past, people drank tea not only to enjoy its flavor, but also to pay attention to the content of tea conversations.
In response, the recipient also raises the cup with both hands and bows gently as a way of showing respect. Enjoying tea is not just about drinking, but also an art. Each sip is taken slowly, allowing the flavor to spread throughout the mouth, from the initial slight bitterness to the sweet aftertaste. It is a moment for the soul to relax and listen to its inner voice.
In Vietnamese tea ceremony, besides appreciating the flavor of the tea, one should also understand the story behind each type of tea. If lotus-scented tea offers a delicate taste and a gentle aroma that evokes the coolness and freshness of morning dew in a lotus pond, then jasmine tea brings a more intense yet subtly pure fragrance.
Today's tea culture has broken free from traditional constraints, becoming more diverse and rich than ever before. Each person has their own way of enjoying tea, depending on their preferences, lifestyle, and circumstances. Drinking tea is not simply a pleasure, but also a way to care for one's health and balance life.
