Cultural Connotation of Literati Tea in the Tang and Song Dynasties and Its Forming Process

Abstract

The literati of the Tang and Song dynasties expressed their yearning and love for the natural beauty of landscape by extolling the natural aesthetics of tea. They reveled in the joys of the mountains and forests by drinking spring water and savoring tea, transcending the constraints of fame and status. Tea became a sanctuary for their soul. Compared to the Tang literati, the literati of the Song Dynasty preferred leisurely tea drinking, reflecting a view about the silent enjoyment of life. The tea poetries of the Song Dynasty presented three approaches to the enjoyment of life: the Confucian notion of being content with a simple but virtuous life, the Daoist idea of embracing rejoice in complying with Heaven and knowing its mandate, and the Zen Buddhist principle of ultimate tranquility and desirelessness. Tea drinking activities also served as a means for the Tang and Song literati to contemplate the principles of the universe and life. The Song literati showed a more rational aspect in their poems about tea. They derived insights about the ups and downs of life from the experience of drinking tea; they also compared the essence of tea with human nature, using this analogy to clarify their philosophical beliefs and motivate themselves, which showcased their high-heartedness and unworldliness. For the Tang and Song literati, tea drinking was an exceedingly decorous cultural activity. The profound connotations of literati tea in the Tang and Song dynasties constitute a crucial component of Chinese tea culture.

Keywords

cultural connotation / literati tea / Neo-Confucianism / Tang and Song poetries

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2024 Higher Education Press