The beautiful cultural tradition of enjoying tea during Tet (Lunar New Year).

The ancient Vietnamese saying goes, "When guests come to the house, offer them tea or wine," reflecting the hospitality inherent in Vietnamese culture. Especially during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the joy of meeting relatives and friends, chatting, and enjoying a hot cup of tea embodies the refined and elegant aspects of social interaction and etiquette, all while looking forward to a new year of peace, prosperity, abundance, and fulfillment.

Tea drinking is a beautiful cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people. (Image from the Internet)

For Vietnamese people, the art of brewing and drinking tea is expressed in the saying: "First water, second tea, third cup, fourth teapot, fifth companions" - the important elements to create a delicious cup of tea are, in order: the water used to brew the tea, the type of tea, the teacup, the teapot, and the tea-drinking companions. In his spacious wooden house of over 50 square meters, Mr. Nguyen The Do (Nam Dinh city) collects many types of tea such as: lotus tea, Tan Cang tea, Shan Tuyet tea, jasmine tea, oolong tea, Tie Guan Yin tea, and Pu-erh tea; each type of tea comes from different regions or has a different tea essence, such as: Bach Diep Tay Ho lotus tea, Hue whole white lotus tea; tangerine Pu-erh tea, rolled flower Pu-erh tea; Tan Cang tea (bud tea, shrimp tea, young bud tea)...

As he introduced himself, Mr. Do took a tin box hidden deep in the corner of the cabinet, labeled with the three words "Man Hao Tea" in red paper. He carefully opened the lid and took out a package of Man Hao - Dien Thai lotus-infused tea, meticulously wrapped in several layers of paper. Then he put the tea into a double-serving teapot, the kind that brews just enough for two people to share. Mr. Do explained: "The skill of tea brewing lies in adding the tea leaves just right. Too much or too little tea is unacceptable. Tea that is too strong or too weak will lose its delicate flavor, especially with the precious Man Hao lotus tea." Just as he finished adding the tea, the teapot on the charcoal stove began to boil, emitting a stream of white steam. He lifted the teapot, poured boiling water into it, and then poured the remaining water into the large serving cup. From the large cup, he transferred the water to the two smaller cups. Once the tea had steeped sufficiently, Mr. Do poured the tea back into the large cup and then back into the two smaller cups. The old man raised the teacup, leisurely enjoying the pure aroma of ancient tea leaves blended with the scent of lotus, then took a sip to taste the smooth flavor of the tea and let out a soft sigh.

I followed his lead, taking the teacup, still steaming like a thin layer of mist, gently covering the rim. I brought it to my lips, inhaling deeply to savor the aroma, then took a small sip, feeling the sweet aftertaste of the Man Hao tea spreading in my mouth and lingering down my throat. Next, Mr. Do poured another cup of rainwater into the teapot, adding a piece of charcoal to the stove. When the teapot began to boil, he offered me the second infusion – the best, most flavorful of the tea-making process. Tea connoisseurs often liken the first infusion to "girlish" tea, with its pure, fresh, and captivating aroma, while the second, "maiden" tea, reveals the soul of the tea, the subtle and delicate flavor. According to Mr. Do, few people today probably know about this tea anymore; it seems to have been lost or is only used within a small community. Man Hao tea is made from the finest 1 bud and 2 leaves of the Shan Tuyet tea variety. The fermentation process reduces the bitterness of the ancient tea, giving it a sweet and refreshing taste that is very easy to drink. Each cup of fragrant tea seems to carry the scent of flowers from the four seasons, awakening the senses and allowing the drinker to clearly feel the profound harmony and connection between nature, the earth, and all things. Man Hao tea is a precious tea, primarily reserved for the aristocracy, and is now in danger of disappearing. Although Mr. Do's son, who works in the tea industry, has invested a great deal of time and money to restore this renowned tea, production is still limited and it is not widely known. Every Tet (Lunar New Year), when friends come to visit, Mr. Do often selects the best teas to brew and offer to guests, as a token of his sincerity and a wish for a prosperous and healthy new year.

In modern times, the culture of tea drinking continues to be preserved, especially during the Lunar New Year, when families gather to enjoy traditional customs that not everyone has the opportunity to experience on ordinary days – enjoying a fragrant cup of tea alongside green sticky rice cakes and red couplets. Enjoying tea is also about appreciating cultural traditions and beautiful rituals, such as younger generations brewing tea for elders, and hosts brewing tea for guests. Sitting beside a warm pot of tea, savoring the aroma and sweet taste, and sharing stories and best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Nowadays, the demand for tea ceremonies is increasingly popular, with many events and conferences being held as tea parties. Ms. Hoang Truc Linh, daughter-in-law of Mr. Do, who specializes in organizing tea parties for events and conferences, shared: "Organizing tea parties at events and conferences creates a space and opportunity for connection and interaction, while also serving as a chance to introduce and spread the traditional beauty of Vietnamese tea culture. When organizing tea parties for events and conferences, I always prioritize preserving the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture and tea-drinking style, which is both elaborate and refined, yet appropriate to the nature of the event. In the comfortable and cozy atmosphere of a tea party, people can easily chat, discuss, build relationships, relax, and enjoy light snacks and a fragrant, warm cup of tea."

Vietnamese tea culture is not only reflected in its popularity as a daily beverage; during the Lunar New Year, tea is also chosen as a gift for grandparents, parents, and relatives. Despite changes and the emergence of modern, diverse, and varied drinks, tea remains a beverage that embodies the long-standing cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people. During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), families gather around a fragrant pot of tea in the cool weather, appreciating its delicate flavor and offering meaningful wishes for a peaceful new year to their grandparents, parents, and relatives.

Ngoc Linh

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/202501/net-dep-van-hoa-thuong-tra-ngay-tet-db0237c/