The Fragrance of Tea Drinking in De’ang Ethnic Villages

The Importance of Tea

Tea is the life of the De’angs (德昂族). Wherever the De’angs are found, tea is also present. This ancient song of the De’ang people echoes their deep connection to tea:

“So long as down this ancient song passes,
So long the fragrance of tea lasts.”

Tea as a Daily Essential

For the De’ang people, tea is an indispensable part of daily life, enjoyed by both men and women. They have a particular fondness for strong tea. When preparing it, they often fill a jar with a generous amount of tea leaves and boil them with just a small amount of water until the liquid takes on a deep coffee color. The resulting tea is so potent that it can keep people awake, which makes it especially valued in their culture. Over the years, the De’angs have developed a strong addiction to this beverage, feeling uncomfortable and weak without it. After a long day’s work, a mug of strong tea can provide a refreshing lift.

Social Significance of Tea

Beyond its role as a drink, tea holds significant cultural importance in De’ang society. It symbolizes good wishes and hospitality. When a guest arrives, the host’s first gesture is to serve them a cup of tea. Visits to friends, relatives, or even a matchmaker are also accompanied by tea. To invite friends and relatives, a small package of tea tied with two red threads suffices. If someone has wronged another and wishes to apologize, bringing tea as a gift is a customary act.

In essence, the role of tea in De’ang culture is irreplaceable. It embodies social bonds and serves as a medium for expressing sentiments.

Tea Cultivation

Given the central role tea plays in their lives, the De’angs consume a substantial quantity of it each year. Consequently, nearly every family cultivates tea around their homes or on the outskirts of their villages. They are skilled growers and have earned the title of “old tea farmers” (老茶农), reflecting their expertise and deep-rooted tradition in tea cultivation.

The fragrance of tea drinking in De’ang ethnic villages is not just about the beverage itself; it is intertwined with their culture, social interactions, and way of life, making it a vital aspect of their identity.