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Tea ceremony - A slow-paced lifestyle trend among young people.
Tran Phi Vu (1995) - stage name Tra Vu, is a tea artist with a deep passion for inspiring others. Starting with tea in 2018, Tra Vu has dedicated his time to exploring the diversity and subtleties of Vietnamese tea, from experimenting with different types to living with tea every day.
Tran Phi Vu (1995) - stage name Tra Vu
Sharing with Travellive, he said: "I started with my first cup of tea and gradually became captivated by the layers of flavor and the tranquility that tea brings." From his personal passion, Tra Vu wants to spread his love of tea to the community, especially young people. He is also one of the founders of the community tea project "Societea - Tea Gathering Association," connecting and creating opportunities for tea lovers to meet, share, and experience the art of tea appreciation together.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, tea has become part of the growing trend of slow living. After the Covid-19 pandemic, as people became more aware of the importance of mental and physical health, many young people turned to tea as a way to calm their minds, relax, and find balance in their lives. For today's youth, tea is not just an everyday beverage but a passion and an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture. Many young people dedicate time to learning about the history, processing, and brewing of tea, and are willing to invest in opening tea shops, creating culturally rich tea-drinking spaces.
Young people find connection and peace in each cup of tea.
Many young people participate in tea workshops, where they not only learn how to brew tea but are also inspired by a slow, green, and healthy lifestyle. For them, tea is not just a traditional beverage but also a part of their journey to find inner peace. Therefore, tea has become an important part of a meditative lifestyle, where each sip is not only about enjoying the flavor but also an opportunity to be still and listen to oneself.
Tea connoisseur - the storyteller of tea
The shift in how young people perceive tea in recent years is undeniable. Tea is no longer seen as an "old-fashioned" beverage but has become a trending topic among young people. Tra Vu explains: "After Covid, people value a slower, more tranquil way of life. Along with many activities like meditation, green living, and healthy living, tea is an integral part of that."
Tea has the power to change the human soul.
Tra Vu believes that tea has the power to transform the human spirit. However, drinking tea is not simply a way to "calm the mind," as many young people today believe. He shares that to truly appreciate the tranquility of tea, one must first "process" their own mind. Only when the mind is balanced and relaxed can we fully enjoy tea. Tea is not just a beverage, but also a method for cultivating the soul, helping people find serenity in their busy lives.
The space at the community tea project "Societea - The Tea Gathering"
The Societea project was created as a bridge, attracting many young people to tea. However, Tra Vu also frankly shared his thoughts on the misconceptions many people have when first encountering tea: "Many young people come and think that drinking tea helps calm the mind, but that's fundamentally wrong because if the mind isn't calm, it can't be calm. Only when the mind is calm can it be expressed at the tea ceremony. As I've practiced the tea ceremony for many years, the tools for cultivating the mind have gradually improved." He emphasized that the tea ceremony is not just for enjoyment but also a means of cultivating the mind. "We use tea to express sincerity, as in entertaining guests and treating our friends," Tra Vu said.
Each sip of tea, a moment of peace, an opportunity to listen to yourself.
What's remarkable about Societea is that it has attracted young people who initially weren't very interested in tea. The message that Tra Vu and the project want to convey is simple: "You don't necessarily have to love tea excessively; tea can be used to connect." The workshops and tea parties organized by Societea are not only places to enjoy delicious cups of tea but also spaces for people to socialize, share, and find common ground.
The passion and efforts of Tra Vu and the Societea project have contributed to creating a new wave, breathing youthful and modern vitality into Vietnamese tea culture. The increasing interest and engagement of young people in tea ceremony is not just a fleeting trend, but also a sign of their appreciation for traditional values and their growing need for balance in life. A cup of tea is now more than just a beverage; it's a symbol of connection, tranquility, and the beauty of Vietnamese culture in the eyes of the younger generation.
"Tea drinking is not simply about quenching thirst with a cup of tea, but a way to immerse ourselves in nature, feeling the serenity and gentleness in every breath. Each tea bud carries a story, from the vast tea hills to the skillful hands of the processor. With each sip, we are transported back to distant memories, to times spent with grandparents, parents, and close friends around a warm tea table," he emphasized.
Tra Vu's passion and dedication have created a unique Vietnamese tea style, distinct from tea cultures like Japan, China, or Taiwan. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of young people, Vietnamese tea culture is becoming increasingly well-known and an important part of the diverse tapestry of Vietnamese culture," Tra Vu shared.
Tea drinking is not simply about quenching thirst with a cup of tea, but a way to connect with nature.
