Chinese “Chai” or “Cha Wenhua” is a concept of tea culture found in China. In Chinese culture there are several circumstances when tea is prepared and consumed or served to the guests like weddings, as a sign of respect, to apologise and in a family gathering.

Our children in school learnt about different cultures and it was an occasion when the students of grade 4 and 5 celebrated “High Tea Celebration” in their class. It was organized by their English teacher Ms. Thavamani, who had brought in the special tea from Beijing and special Chinese cups to make their celebration a grand success. The children prepared tea in special pots and served it among themselves, and the other teachers were also invited to join in the celebration and were served tea. The important part of the celebration was to have tea in small cups in small sips. We were asked to have the tea in six sips minimum.

Later, at the end of the ceremony, the students came forward to speak about various cultures. Each of them spoke on different cultures like the English, the Mexican, the Chinese, the Egyptian, and the Indian.

The High Tea celebration was not only a learning experience of the students, but for the teachers too, who were present on the occasion!

Education shouldn’t be a mere process, should be an experience!