If you have a passion for tea, you may already have an understanding of what a tea ritual is.
Many people know the range of benefits a tea ritual provides.
It can create moments of stillness, stimulate mindfulness, reduce stress, nourish your body, and create a warm connection with yourself.
What is a Tea Ritual?
A tea ritual is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking tea.
Tea rituals originated in China and were first practised in Japan during the Kamakura period (1192 – 1333).
It is something that encourages mindfulness and promotes harmony, and tranquillity.
Is a Tea Ritual a Form of Self-care?
This simple difference in your daily life goes back centuries.
Cultures all around the world have recognised the importance of taking the time to prepare a cup of tea is much more than quenching thirst.
It can be a comforting part of your self-care routine and is something worth looking into if you suffer from stress and anxiety.
How to Create a Tea Ritual?
To begin the tea ritual, find your favourite cup.
Choose your favourite mug or tea brewing set that might have meaning to you personally.
Then decide on possibly the most important part, choosing your tea.
Store it in a container or location that you love.
We highly recommend educating yourself thoroughly on how to brew your chosen tea correctly.
Check out our tea brewing guides to find out how to brew your tea right, every time.
When is the Right Time to Have a Tea Ritual?
Any time can be teatime.
This question is down to you as an individual.
Choose a time of the day that connects best with yourself and your schedule.
Whether you would enjoy it to wake up to or for a rest in the afternoon, either way, it will benefit you just as much.
What is The History of the Tea Ceremony?
As mentioned, ritual tea drinking originated in the Kamakura period in Japan.
Zen monks drank tea to keep them awake during long sessions of meditation.
It then later became an active part of Zen ritual, honouring the first patriarch, Bodhidharma.
Tea Rituals Around the World
Tea is a cultural experience that has been enjoyed for centuries all over the world.
There are hundreds of ways to express your love for tea, and some countries experience it differently than others.
Let’s take a look at some countries and their tea rituals:
Indian Tea Rituals
One of the most iconic aspects of Indian tea culture is the preparation of chai.
Chai is a spiced tea made by brewing black tea leaves with a combination of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Chai is often sold by street vendors and is considered a staple drink in India. It is often consumed multiple times a day.
Chinese Tea Rituals
A famous ceremony that is celebrated throughout China is the Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony.
It is a traditional ritual for preparing and serving tea.
The ceremony typically involves precise steps.
Including rinsing the tea leaves, warming the teapot and cups, and even includes pouring the tea in a specific manner.
Japanese Tea Rituals
The Japanese tea ceremony is also known as the Way of Tea.
This traditional ritual has been practised for a long time.
It involves the preparation and serving of green tea, famously known as matcha.
The tea ceremony is commonly performed in a tea house or a traditional Japanese room.
Moroccan Tea Rituals
Moroccan mint tea is a traditional drink that is popular throughout Morocco.
The tea is served in small glasses and is often paired with pastries or sweets.
The preparation and serving of mint tea is considered an art form and is performed with a great ceremony.
It is common to offer mint tea to guests as a sign of welcome.
How Starting a Tea Ritual Can Help With Mindfulness?
It is important to understand that you don’t need a tea house or guests to enjoy the benefits of a tea ceremony.
Introducing tea breaks into your daily routine gives you moments in the day to slow down and relieve stress.
We all know that ‘taking a breather’ can make a huge difference to our wellbeing.
Get Started On Your Tea Ritual With Leaf Tea Shop
As you can see, there are people across the globe enabling their love and appreciation for tea.
Now you have some insight into how some countries perform their rituals and which teas they especially love.
This could be the perfect chance for you to find your ritual.
At Leaf Tea Shop, we stock a wide variety of loose-leaf teas.
If you’d like to take a look at the teas we offer, visit our tea shop to buy high-quality teas.
