The aroma of tea heralds the arrival of spring.

Spring arrives not only with the vibrant colors of peach blossoms, the fragrance of pomelos, or the chirping of early birds, but also with the subtle aroma of tea wafting through a small house. A cup of hot tea, a few everyday stories – that's how spring feels so close.

The culture of tea drinking has spread to all age groups.

A cup of tea to start the conversation.

On a spring morning, in the cozy little house of writer Nguyen Van Loi, nearly 90 years old and currently residing in Bac Kan ward, life seems to slow down. He leisurely lights the stove, rinses the teapot, and brews tea. Outside, peach blossoms burst into bloom; inside, the gentle aroma of tea permeates the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, as if softly beckoning spring. Beside a warm pot of tea, writer Nguyen Van Loi slowly shares: “Spring must come with a pot of tea. With tea, the atmosphere in the house naturally becomes warmer.”

Writer Nguyen Van Loi believes that a cup of tea on Tet (Vietnamese New Year) always holds a special meaning in the spiritual life of every Vietnamese family. Recalling Tet celebrations of the past, he recounted, "In the old days, our family was poor, and there wasn't much to celebrate Tet, but on the morning of the first day, the whole family would still gather around a pot of tea; the hot tea, blended with the gentle aroma of incense, sipped, and after sharing a few old stories, we felt spring had arrived."

According to the writer, while the elaborate feasts may vary from household to household during Tet, a cup of tea is indispensable, as it is the "first ritual," an invitation to ancestors to celebrate Tet with their descendants. In that moment, the aroma of tea not only warms the small house but also conveys reverence and gratitude to one's roots, contributing to the preservation of family traditions and the spirit of Vietnamese Tet through generations.

For many Vietnamese families, a cup of tea is not just a familiar beverage, but also a signal that spring is coming. As the pace of life slows down in the final days of the year, people have more time to sit together, raise a cup of hot tea, and begin conversations for the new year.

Without being overly elaborate, a spring tea ceremony is usually very simple: spring tea, just-boiled water, and a few small cups. But it is precisely this simplicity that creates a warm and intimate atmosphere, connecting generations within the family. Tea becomes the "catalyst" for family gatherings and for gentle yet sincere New Year's greetings.

The aroma of tea in modern life

Ms. Bui Thi Mai from La Bang commune enjoys Thai Nguyen tea in a way that's typical of young people.

In today's life, with the increasing popularity of various soft drinks, the tradition of drinking tea in the spring remains present in many families and conversations, especially in areas with a tradition of tea cultivation and processing. Ms. Bui Thi Mai, from La Bang commune, said: Despite being busy, her family still maintains the habit of brewing a pot of tea every morning, especially at the beginning of the new year.

According to Ms. Mai, for young people, a cup of tea on New Year's Day is also a way to fully experience the Tet atmosphere, when the usually hectic pace of life slows down and becomes more relaxed. At the tea table on New Year's Day, the gap between generations seems to narrow; the elderly and the young sit together, raising cups of hot tea and sharing familiar stories. At that moment, tea is not just a beverage, but becomes a bridge for people to listen, understand, and connect with each other, contributing to the unique, warm, and convivial atmosphere of the spring days.

In Vietnamese culture, tea is associated with a slow pace of life and moments of togetherness. Spring, a time of new beginnings and reunions, is also when people tend to be introspective, reflecting and connecting more with family and community. It is in this atmosphere that tea becomes a particularly fitting beverage, naturally present in springtime life.

According to tea artisan Mong Dong Vu, unlike the ceremonial tea-drinking spaces in some countries, Vietnamese tea blends into daily life, connected to the landscape and emotions of life. "Tea doesn't separate people from life, but accompanies all the joys and sorrows of the family, especially evident in the early days of spring," he shared.

From holidays and festivals to ancestral commemorations and family reunions, teapots are always present on the altar and beside the seating area, allowing descendants to drink and chat together in a harmonious atmosphere. According to artisan Mong Dong Vu, it is this simple connection that has created the unique tea-drinking style of the Vietnamese people. Tea is not just for drinking, but also for connecting people in the slow, warm rhythm of spring.

A cup of tea can be the start of many stories.

From the traditional Tet tea ceremony to the early spring season, many people discuss the economic value of tea cultivation. In an increasingly competitive market, developing Thai Nguyen tea products is becoming a strategic direction to enhance the value of the tea industry, not only serving domestic needs but also aiming for export.

Thai Nguyen province currently has over 23,000 hectares of tea plantations, with an annual harvest of over 270,000 tons of fresh tea buds. Many areas have adopted safe farming techniques and VietGAP standards to ensure the quality of raw materials for high-end tea products.

The province currently has nearly 200 tea products certified under the OCOP program, ranging from 3 to 5 stars, contributing to raising the total value of tea products to over 13.8 trillion VND in recent years. This demonstrates the important role of the tea industry in local economic development. With policies encouraging the expansion of cultivation areas, the application of international standards, and the promotion of brand building, Thai Nguyen tea not only maintains its position in the domestic market but is also gradually asserting its value on the world tea map.

The cup of tea offered during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) may be small, but it embodies a profound Vietnamese philosophy. It represents a harmonious blend of culture, spirituality, and filial piety, where descendants express gratitude, respect, and appreciation for their roots. As the aroma of tea permeates homes each spring, the spirit of Vietnamese Tet is preserved, enduring and warm through time.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202602/huong-tra-goi-xuan-ve-2ce5341/