During Ming-era China, one Hsü Tz’u-shu compiled a poem describing all the times when it was appropriate to drink tea. I came across this list in Beatrice Hohenegger’s Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West and thought it was great.

“In idle moments
When bored with poetry
Thoughts confused
Beating time to songs
When the music stops
Living in seclusion
Enjoying scholarly pastimes
Conversing late at night
Studying on a sunny day
In the bridal chamber
Detaining favored guests
Playing host to scholars or pretty girls
Visiting friends returned from far away
In perfect weather
When skies are overcast
Watching boats glide past on the canal
Midst trees and bamboos
When flowers bud and birds chatter
On hot days by a lotus pond
Burning incense in the courtyard
After tipsy guests have left
When the youngsters have gone out
On visits to secluded temples
When viewing springs and scenic rocks”

© eric for Tea Finely Brewed, 2009. | The Appropriate Time for Tea | No comment |
Post categories: Tea quotes
Post tags: Hsü Tz'u-shu, tea culture