Chinese Tea Sets Come With A Secret Custom: Finger Tapping

Tea and China tea sets have been around in China for over 5,000 years. And ancient Chinese tea customs are still often followed.

One such custom is called “finger tapping” and it is a common sign of respect. Many people who are not familiar with this custom may find it strange or odd.

It goes like this: when someone serves you tea, it’s polite not to say “thank you”, but rather to tap three fingers on the table. This lets the person know you’re appreciative of their service. It should be repeated every time you are served tea.

You may think this comes from some strange, mystical superstition. But really, this custom comes from a very real incident during the Qing dynasty.

The Qing emperor loved to travel throughout China in disguise and secretly observed the life of his subjects. Wherever the emperor went, he would never miss his favorite place: the local tea house.

Then on one occasion, the emperor cam across a tea house in a very small village where the waiters could bend their bodies in almost inhuman ways to serve tea around the table. The emperor wanted to tries this pay of pouring tea.

Custom demanded that people bow before their emperor, and it was unimaginable if the emperor ever poured you tea! So they had to thank the emperor for the tea. But at this time they couldn’t bow to their emperor, or his disguise would be ruined.

One of the companions had an idea, and he tapped three of his fingers on the table as a symbol of bow to his emperor.

And that’s how this custom was started. This story spread all around the country, and before long everyone was doing the same thing. It was the latest addition to Chinese tea culture!

Now you know what to do the next time you’re enjoying a great cup of tea. Some Chinese hosts will roll out their best china tea sets for overseas guests, so be sure to show your appreciation by tapping those fingers!

D. Cheng has studied Chinese history and handicrafts such as porcelain china tea sets for years. Once in a while, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. See samples of quality China tea sets.