The Symbolic Meanings

A round dining table is used in China as opposed to rectangular table in most Western cultures, this allows for all guests face each other. A formal dinner is always accompanied by tea, where the person sitting next to the teapot pours it for everyone, from the senior, superior, youths then to infants. In the Chinese culture tea is often used to express much different gratitude. 

The younger generation offers a cup of tea to show their respect to their elders and in the past people who were from low class would serve tea to high class. Tea is also used as a form of family gathering, for instance when a family member leaves home. It is also used to express apologies by pouring tea for them it regarded as a sign of regret and sincerity. On wedding days tea is a must in Chinese marriage ceremonies, where the parents will drink a small portion of tea, served by their children and give them red envelope as a sign of “good luck”. Not only is it used to give thanks but to connect large families on wedding days, where drinking tea shows acceptance of a new family and allows both families to meet each other.