Life is fast paced. Sometimes, you just want to slow down, sit back and take a long sip of fragrant Korean tea. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Korean tea ceremony sounds like the perfect fit for you.
The Korean tea ceremony bloomed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). There were various tea ceremonies including the “Special Tea Rite” and “Queen Tea Rite,” but the most common one was known as Darye, which means “Day Tea Rite.” This was a daily tea ceremony that took place in royal and aristocratic households, and has been passed down till today.
Darye had its roots in religious and ancestral offerings, but eventually was used on important occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and even meditation. Back then, some of the best teahouses had their own springs to ensure that only the best water was used for the tea ceremony. Stoneware and ceramic were commonly used, while porcelain and dragon engraved imperial porcelain were more of a rare sight.
While Darye is a formal and traditional tea ceremony, it is also meant to be a relaxing gathering that frees the mind. The Korean way of enjoying tea is less rigid and has fewer former rituals, which allows for more room to enjoy tea and company. One distinct feature is that the tea is poured from a distance above the pre-warmed cups, creating attractive bubbles that soothe the mind and supposedly bring good luck.
The Korean tea ceremony has been around for many years, and is a tradition worth keeping. So the next time you feel like taking a break, consider attending a Korean tea ceremony!
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