In the world of tea ceremony, brewing and tasting tea is not only a process of enjoying the tea leaves themselves, but also an expression of the art of living. When we sit at the tea table and enjoy the aroma and essence of tea, the arrangement of the entire environment also has an undeniable impact on the tea tasting experience. Flower arrangements at the tea table, which apply the art of flower arranging to the tea ceremony, are an important element in enhancing the atmosphere.
The color, shape and fragrance of tea flowers can influence the emotions and feelings of tea drinkers. For example, white symbolizes purity and nobility, giving a sense of calm and relaxation. Red is vibrant and can ignite the enthusiasm of the tea drinker. Yellow brings sunshine-like warmth and contributes to a cheerful atmosphere. In addition to stems and leaves, it is generally advisable to use single-colored flowers, preferably small ones, in arrangements.
The character (pin) in tea tasting implies that the aroma of tea travels from the cup to the tip of the tongue, not only quenching thirst but also calming the mind and inspiring thought.
Let me use another example to illustrate the uniqueness that tea tasting can bring.
Nowadays, most city dwellers prefer coffee, enjoying a cup every morning to energize themselves for the day’s work. Perhaps because coffee is a well-known stimulant, it gives a “worldly” feeling, similar to Western floral arrangements, which tend to be vibrant and exuberant, reflecting a free and uninhibited nature.
In contrast, tea provides an “earthly” experience. Using Chinese floral arrangements as a metaphor, it emphasizes the beauty of the flowers and their orderly presentation, reflecting the Confucian philosophical principles of the Chinese people. Enjoying a good cup of tea can soothe a noisy soul while focusing on the present, allowing one to relax.
Floral arrangement is an ancient art form, a three-dimensional expression of art that brings life and complements tea art, emphasizing the beauty of the “present” as well. It can effectively guide the eye, enhance the overall aesthetics of the tea setting, and allow tea drinkers to appreciate the profound cultural heritage in a room filled with fragrant tea.
A carefully arranged tea setting that combines tea flowers and the art of floral arrangement can create a tea tasting environment that is both beautiful and comfortable. This atmosphere not only enhances the pleasure of tasting tea, but also transforms every tea gathering into a spiritual experience. For tea artists and enthusiasts, this is an area worth exploring, allowing us to discover more beautiful things in the world of tea.
For those interested in learning or experiencing tea flower arrangements, WAAFAACII offers tea flower experience classes, which last approximately 1.5 hours and explain the ways and history of tea flowers, including a tea session and a hands-on flower arrangement experience. Participants can take home the materials used. Classes require a minimum of three participants. Enquiries and reservations are welcome.
Recently, more and more flower shops have opened in Hong Kong, no longer limited to flower markets. As the price of floral materials has come down, more and more people are willing to buy fresh flowers to take home. However, to successfully create an attractive floral arrangement, one must not only master the basic techniques, but also gain experience in growing and caring for flowers.
