Bai Three-Course Tea

Bai Three-Course Tea

　　Bai Three-Course Tea, known as "Shaodaozhao" in the Bai language, is a dramatic tea ceremony where hosts and guests express emotions and share blessings. Originally, drinking the three courses of tea was a way for elders to wish younger generations well during significant life events such as studying, apprenticeships, business ventures, or weddings. Nowadays, its use has expanded and it has become a tea custom among the Bai people for celebrating festive occasions and welcoming guests.

In the past, the Bai Three-Course Tea was usually prepared and served by elders within the family or clan. Today, younger generations also serve tea to their elders. Each of the three courses of tea is made differently, using distinct methods and ingredients. The first course is called the "Bitter Tea," symbolizing the philosophy that "to achieve success, one must endure hardship." The second course is known as the "Sweet Tea." After the first tea, the host brews a new pot using a small earthenware teapot to roast and boil the tea. Meanwhile, a bit of brown sugar, dairy fan (a type of dried cheese), and cinnamon are added to the teacup. The brewed tea is then poured into the cup until it is about four-fifths full. The third course is called the "Aftertaste Tea."

Although it is brewed the same way, the ingredients in the teacup are changed to include an appropriate amount of honey, a little puffed rice, several Sichuan peppercorns, and a spoonful of crushed walnuts. The tea is typically filled to about six or seven-tenths of the cup. When drinking the third course, it is customary to gently swirl the cup to mix the tea and ingredients evenly, while also making a "hoo hoo" sound, and then drink it while hot. This cup of tea combines sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavors, offering a rich and memorable taste. It serves as a reminder to reflect on experiences and to remember the philosophy that “bitterness comes before sweetness.”