Every year in China around Tomb-Sweeping Day (清明節(jié)),tea plants ripen (成熟) and people pick the leaves.According to tradition,the tea picked before Tomb-Sweeping Day is of the highest (價值).Long ago,it was this tea that was served to the Emperor.
Tea is a daily drink in China.Chinese people enjoy tea with snacks,main dishes,and before or after meals.Guests are often served the drink.At a family gathering,young people show their respect to their elders by offering a cup of tea.
Tea culture is very strong in Russia,too.In Russia,people drink tea with soup or dessert at the end of meals.The typical Russian tea ceremony(儀式) usually includes a samovar – a l container (容器) for heating water.People put black tea in a teapot and pour boiling water over it.The teapot is then placed on top of the samovar.Samovars can be found in homes,trains,offices and restaurants.
However,things are different in the UK.British people also drink tea all day.But there is also a special tradition of afternoon tea,where the tea is served with light sandwiches and small cakes.And people like chatting while enjoying tea.Black tea with milk is the most widely drunk tea.Today,most people in the UK use tea bags rather than tea leaves.
Despite(盡管) the social and cultural differences around the world,drinking tea stands for a peaceful and comfortable lifestyle.It’s a way of escaping from the stress of life.