The History of the Wedding Tea Ceremony: Chinese and Vietnamese Traditions Explained

Tea culture finds its roots in China, where tea ceremonies were developed. The culture of tea ceremonies spread across East Asia. Each country has its own tea cultural practices and ceremonial traditions, which carry unique customs, attire, and symbolism, yet they share a common thread: honoring family and celebrating love.

Let’s start with the roots of the Chinese Tea Ceremony and then explore how these traditions beautifully intertwine and differ across cultures.

The Chinese Tea Ceremony (Chadao 茶道): The Way of Tea

The Chinese Tea Ceremony, known as chadao (茶道), literally translates to “the way of tea.” It is an ancient ritual that dates back over a thousand years. According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea around 2737 BC for its healing qualities. Over time, tea evolved from a simple herbal remedy into a beloved beverage during the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD) and later into a refined art form by the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). By the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), tea ceremonies had become sophisticated cultural rituals symbolizing elegance, respect, and harmony. Later, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) continued to shape these traditions, introducing loose-leaf tea, which would later lead the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) to develop the gongfu brewing style. More than a social activity, chadao reflects Chinese philosophy that values mindfulness, harmony, and respect.

One of the most popular forms of tea ceremony is gongfu cha (功夫茶), which means “making tea with skill.” This meticulous brewing method uses small teapots, often made of Yixing clay or Jingdezhen porcelain, to enhance both the aroma and the taste of the tea. The process emphasizes patience and attention to detail, turning a simple act into a mindful experience.

Symbolism Behind the Ceremony

In the Chinese tea ceremony, every gesture tells a story.

• Rinsing the tea leaves symbolizes purity.

• Pouring tea slowly and deliberately represents mindfulness.

• Sharing tea equally among guests reflects harmony and fairness.

Even elements, such as high-quality tea and pure water, have deep meaning. The finest teas are said to capture “the essence of heaven and earth,” while water drawn from natural sources symbolizes clarity and life.

The setting also plays an important role. Traditionally, tea is enjoyed in tranquil spaces like gardens, courtyards, or mountain pavilions because they are quiet. The calm atmosphere encourages reflection and connection with nature.

The Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony (敬茶 – Jìng Chá)

The earliest recorded date for the wedding ceremony was 641 AD. Tang Princess Wencheng presented tea in her dowry to the Tibetan Emperor, Songtsen Gampo. From that time through the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, serving tea became an essential part of the marriage ritual, symbolizing respect for parents, the union of two families, and the wish for lifelong harmony.

In modern weddings, the tea ceremony typically takes place on the wedding day, either before the banquet or after the couple’s official registration.

In this ritual, the bride and groom serve tea to their elders, most often starting with the groom’s family, followed by the bride’s, as a sign of deep respect and gratitude. Couples usually kneel or bow as they offer the tea, a gesture symbolizing humility and reverence for their parents and ancestors. Once the tea is served, the elders offer their blessings, red envelopes, and sometimes heirloom jewelry.

Vietnamese Tea Ceremony (Lễ uống trà)

While the Chinese wedding tea ceremony stands as one of the most time-honored and symbolically rich traditions in East Asia, its cultural influence has extended far beyond China’s borders. For nearly 1,000 years (111 BC - 939 AD), China had ruled over northern Vietnam. While tea trees and tea drinking existed in Vietnam far before China’s arrival, under Chinese rule, Vietnam adopted many cultural elements from Chinese tea ceremonies and developed many of its own.

The Vietnamese tea ceremony, known as Lễ uống trà, is a centuries-old practice that embodies values of respect, mindfulness, and social harmony. The Vietnamese phrase translates to “the art of enjoying tea,” focusing on simplicity, mindfulness, and connection. Historically, tea was a privilege reserved for the nobility. From the Kangxi Dynasty (1668–1723) onwards, the way of drinking Chinese tea evolved from brewing a large pot to preparing individual small cups. This shift, emphasizing delicate teapots that preserved tea flavor, influenced how tea appreciation spread across Asia, including Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese tea ceremony is an artful, ceremonial way to prepare and serve tea. This ceremony emphasizes patience, grace, and connection, with tea often chosen from green, lotus, or jasmine varieties. Tea in Vietnam is both a symbol and a medium for expressing hospitality and reverence. The tea ceremony in Vietnam carries many meanings and is performed in various contexts. For example, when guests enter a Vietnamese home, offering tea is a universal sign of welcome and respect. In familial and social gatherings, sharing tea fosters connection, wisdom, and the passing of traditions across generations. Tea is also offered to the altar of the deceased family members as a form of respect for the ancestors and to bridge the earthly and spiritual worlds.

Vietnamese Tea Ceremony in Wedding Traditions

Vietnamese wedding traditions involve multiple stages, during which tea culture plays an important role. Each stage consists of serving tea between families for different purposes and meanings. During the engagement ceremony, or lễ đám hỏi, the groom’s family visits the bride’s home carrying ceremonial red trays (mâm quả) filled with symbolic gifts such as tea, wine, betel leaves, fruits, traditional cakes, and jewelry. The families formally meet and exchange introductions, and the couple serves tea to the elders as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

On the wedding day, the groom’s family forms a joyful procession to the bride’s home, known as the bride’s procession, or lễ rước dâu. The groom’s family brings a decorated mâm quả filled with offerings, including fruits, pastries, wine, and a roasted pig. These offerings symbolize sincerity, abundance, and good fortune. The couple also serves tea to the elders of both families. A senior couple from the groom’s side requests permission to enter, and the bride’s family welcomes them inside. The atmosphere is vibrant with red and gold décor, representing happiness and prosperity. This ceremony marks the groom's formal arrival to receive the bride and leads directly into the official tea ceremony.

The official Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony, also known as lễ vu quy, follows the wedding procession. During the ceremony, the couple offers incense, tea, and fruit at the family altar to honor ancestors and seek blessings for a harmonious marriage. This part is known as the ancestral worship ceremony, or lễ gia tiên. The couple then serves their parents and elders green tea infused with lotus or jasmine as a gesture of respect, gratitude, and humility. When the elders accept and drink the tea, it symbolizes their blessing and approval of the marriage. In return, they offer heartfelt advice, jewelry, or red envelopes. The ceremony often concludes with the lighting of dragon and phoenix candles, representing balance and everlasting unity.

Following the tea ceremony, the bride is formally welcomed into the groom’s family home for the official wedding ceremony, or lễ tân hôn. The groom’s mother traditionally escorts her inside, symbolizing her acceptance as a new daughter-in-law. Another tea ceremony may be held here, where the couple offers tea to the groom’s ancestors and elders, continuing the theme of filial respect and family unity. In modern or Western-influenced weddings, this ceremony may be simplified or omitted due to time or distance, but its spirit of family connection and acceptance remains deeply honored.

Vietnamese wedding traditions and practices also vary by region. The wedding practices and ceremonies of each region reflect the cultural identity of its people. For example, in Northern Vietnam, the rituals and ceremonies are practiced more strictly and formally. In North Vietnam, weddings were deeply rooted in the original ceremonial practices. Furthermore, particularly during the engagement ceremony, the bride’s procession, and the official wedding ceremony, strict ritual and etiquette are followed. 

In Central Vietnam, weddings are influenced by royal traditions, such as emphasizing ancestral worship, often with tea and candles. Central Vietnamese weddings are more elegant and simpler. The bride’s áo dài is embroidered with intricate patterns that reflect the region's aesthetics.

In Southern Vietnam, weddings are more relaxed and flexible in the rituals and traditions. For example, dating and marriage are no longer decided by parents. Also, sometimes, the engagement ceremony and the bride's procession are done together. Therefore, the engagement and moving in with the spouse are all done in one morning. The ceremonies emphasize the celebration and entertainment. The wedding ceremonies, the music, and dances can also incorporate more contemporary and Western themes. 

In terms of ceremonial rituals and events, there aren’t many differences between Buddhist and Catholic families. Only Catholic families can have either a separate wedding ceremony in church or, sometimes, the official wedding ceremony in the church. 

While each region may have different cultural practices, these wedding ceremonies still share values and symbols of purity, respect, and union between the two families. Furthermore, the wedding ceremonies are often accompanied by traditional attire, such as the áo dài in auspicious colors like red (for happiness) and blue (for calm and hope).

Chinese vs. Vietnamese Wedding Tea Ceremonies: Shared Roots, Distinct Beauty

While both Chinese and Vietnamese wedding tea ceremonies share the same spirit of honoring family, expressing gratitude, and symbolizing unity, each carries its own unique character and cultural flavor.

In Chinese weddings, the tea ceremony typically follows a more formal and structured order. The couple begins by serving tea to the groom’s family first, followed by the bride’s. This sequence represents the joining of two families while also acknowledging the groom’s lineage and heritage. Couples often kneel or bow as they serve, demonstrating deep respect and humility. The tea itself is usually stronger, featuring traditional varieties like oolong, jasmine, pu’er, or tieguanyin. Attire is elegant and symbolic: brides often wear a red qipao or a traditional hanfu, both of which symbolize luck and prosperity. The ceremony is intimate and spiritual, emphasizing family hierarchy and blessings for the newlyweds’ future.

In contrast, the Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony is typically more lively and communal. Tea is offered to both families during the same ceremony, symbolizing the union of two households in harmony. The ceremony begins with the mâm quả, the iconic red tray procession filled with symbolic gifts such as betel leaves, tea boxes, sticky rice cakes, and fruits. The couple usually stands while serving tea to their elders, reflecting respect and grace without the formal kneeling seen in Chinese ceremonies. The tea is often a delicately scented green tea infused with lotus or jasmine, chosen for its lightness and fragrance. The bride often wears a striking red áo dài and the groom an ornate áo gấm, both steeped in cultural tradition and beauty. The setting is decorated in vibrant red and gold, radiating joy, prosperity, and celebration.

Where the Chinese ceremony tends to be more reserved and meditative, the Vietnamese tea ceremony feels more festive and family-centered. Yet both share the same heartfelt intention: to honor parents and ancestors, express gratitude, and celebrate the merging of two families. Together, they reflect how cultural heritage transforms the simple act of serving tea into a profound expression of love, respect, and connection.

Hosting Your Tea Ceremonies

Ceremonies are traditionally and typically held in the couple’s homes, with the wedding party visiting the groom's family in the morning to serve tea, followed by a visit to the bride’s family in the afternoon.

However, couples use a variety of places to host their wedding tea ceremonies. Many couples use the banquet hall for their wedding banquet or rehearsal dinner, and hold their tea ceremonies there. These venues typically offer easy access to tea, hot water, and the necessary tea cups, making it simple to incorporate the ceremony into the overall wedding-day celebrations.

Furthermore, couples use tea houses that offer both private events and reservations, allowing you, your spouse, and both of your families to participate in tea ceremonies hosted by the tea house. The tea houses also host ceremony workshops and classes that can teach how the gongfu cha is performed, as well as sell tea leaves and teaware so that you can perform the ceremony yourself and at either respective family’s home. 

Reference

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https://merakiweddingplanner.com/posts/traditional-wedding-playbook