The tea ceremony is a grand rite in ancient Chinese weddings. It originated from the ancient people's understanding of the nature of tea trees, as they believed that tea trees could only sprout from seeds and could not be transplanted. Therefore, tea trees were regarded as a symbol of unchanging virtue. Hence, tea was used as an engagement gift between men and women.
The "Three Tea Rites" were popular in the Jiangnan region among the Han people in old times, with generally two interpretations. One refers to the "tea presentation" during the engagement, the "confirmation tea" during the wedding, and the "union tea" during the consummation of marriage. The other specifically refers to the three-course tea ceremony during the wedding, which includes: the first course - assorted dried fruits; the second course - lotus seeds and dates; and the third course - tea. There are also certain etiquettes for consumption: after receiving the first and second courses, one should hold the cup with both hands, bow deeply, lightly touch the lips to the cup, and then the family members will take it away. After bowing during the third course of tea, one is allowed to drink it.