1.New acquaintances etiquette
Ceremonial acts in teaism include bowing, stretching out the hands, and other culturally symbolic acts. Taeteaites have created their own tea-serving etiquettes, including bowing, hand-stretching, and other culturally symbolic acts,which can be otherwise summarized as new acquaintance etiquette, benediction etiquette and veneration etiquette.
To be acquainted is to befriend one another. New acquaintance etiquette is a tea etiquette through which relationships are established (see right figure). Standard procedure of the new acquaintance etiquette is as follows: Hold the cup in the right hand, with the thumb and forefinger at the sides, and the middle finger propping up the bottom, so that the pose would resemble "three dragons holding up a dug (tripod)" and look both secure and elegant. In this analogy, the three fingers are referred to as three dragons, the tea cup as the ding, and the pose is referred to as "three dragons holding up a ding," The left hand then assists the right hand in bringing up the cup to the height of the shoulder, with the thumbs naturally spread out. Next, bring the cup close to the mouth to drink and slowly set the cup down when done with a sip.
2.Benediction etiquette
The benediction etiquette is a relatively formal occasion where the host gives blessings and thanks to the guests through the offering of a cup of tea (see right figure). Blessings and thanks are given by folding the palms of the hands together (with the fingers pointing up) in front of the chest, placing a cup of tea (with or without a cup holder) on a saucer and offering the tea respectfully.
3.Veneration etiquette
Worshiping Master Lu Yu the Sage of Tea: Stand facing the sage's portrait, hold with both hands the tea tray with tea cups and saucers on it, raise the tray forward above the eyebrows and bow before slowly placing it on the shrine of the portrait.
Showing reverence for seniors: (As shown in the figure on the right) stand facing the senior, hold with both hands the tea tray with cups and saucers on it:(or hold with both hands tea cups and saucers), raise the tray or cups and saucers forward above the eyebrows, bow and wait until the senior takes the tea, whereupon the teaist would stand in reverence before stepping aside. If the senior is seated in a chair, the worshipper can bow or kneel down to offer tea as the ritual or custom requires. A tea lover should conscientiously learn these rules and norms and carefully observe them as they hone their Chadao skills by giving presentations and practicing hospitality and Chadao on other occasions.
