Have you been in earshot of discussions regarding the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year? Curious as to what it’s all about? I don’t have all the answers yet I’m learning more each day! There are some wonderful people connected to the world of tea that are planning experiences geared toward cultural education, and I’d like to share a growing list of activities you can join for 2022, Year of the Tiger! I invite you to read through my brief breakdown before providing a list of vendors hosting experiences or products!
Solar Terms & Spring Festival
For millennia ancient Chinese scholars observed the changing patterns of the natural world. They measured the guiding movements of the sun and divided them into 24 segments, or solar terms, governing agriculture movements around the country. In 2016 the 24-solar terms were included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a joyous time. In China, the first day of the Chinese New Year begins on the New moon between January 21st and February 20th and ends 15 days later on the Full moon. Each lunar cycle is 60 years while a small cycle is 12 years. Each of these 12 years is defined by an animal sign – this year being the tiger 虎. This 15-day celebration includes fireworks, decorations prominent in the color red – a sign of good fortune and happiness, and the comfort of family and community.
Year of the Tiger
Tigers are the Chinese zodiac’s third sign. According to folklore, the Tiger was certain that no one could match its speed and ferocity in the celestial race that would determine the order of the zodiacs. When Tiger got out of the water, thinking it was first, it was informed that Rat had won for cunning and Ox had won for diligence. As a result, the king of the jungle was forced to settle for third place. Tigers represent bravery, strength, generosity, and the spirit and drive to achieve.
Below is a running list of tea vendors hosting celebratory experiences or products with specific attention toward cultural education this year! Are you a vendor or know of anyone offering similar educational experiences or products? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
GRASS PEOPLE TREE: Tiger Celebration & Gift Box
Tiger Celebration Involves:
– Introducing the indigenous culture of lunar year celebration.
– Exploring the Chinese lunar calendar and its practicality in modern life.
– Learning the meaning of Tiger 虎 from ancient writing.
– Practicing the calligraphy of auspicious words for your new year calendar.
– Tasting teas that represent the indigenous culture of Guizhou, China.
– Setting good intentions for the new year and for the harmony of the world.
What’s included in the New Year Gift Box:
– 5 x 4g of teas for the New Year celebration.
– 1 Calligraphy brush
– 1 ink set
– 1 scroll of Xuan paper with a traditional calendar.
Date: Sat 29th Jan 2022 6pm – 7.15pm GMT
A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event with a list of preparation.
Price: £45 per person with Gift Box included.
VOLITION TEA x YAO CHA: Tiger Box
The Tiger Box involves:
The Tiger Box works like an advent calendar, but instead of counting down, they count up each day with a premium tea and thoughtfully presented information on how Yao Yao and Volition Tea celebrate their new year.
What’s included in the Tiger Box:
– 7 Volition Teas
– Early access to a new Wulong tea from Volition Tea that won’t be released until February
– 3 teas from Yao Cha Tea
– 3 teas from Yao Yao’s personal reserves
– A one-on-one, one-hour introductory call with Yao Yao to learn about everything that you want to know about Chinese teas
Date: Sat 15th Jan 2022
Price: $66
UPROOT TEAS x BONJERK: Lunar New Year Gift Set
Bonjerk and Uproot Teas are teaming up to celebrate the 2022 Lunar New Year! This has always been one of their favorite holidays to spend with family and friends, and an excuse to spoil their bellies with only the best dishes. They’re so excited to share their favorite jerky and tea pairing with you and your family this year!
What’s included in the Lunar New Year Gift Set:
– 1 Sencha Green Tea from Uproot Teas
– 1 Char Siu Pork Jerky from Bonjerk
– 1 Málà Sichuan Pork Jerky from Bonjerk
Date: Pre-order by Jan 21st to receive your gifts before Feb 1st
Price: $40.00
TEA DRUNK: King Bundle (Lunar New Year 2022) & Tea + Dim Sum Lunar New Year Pairing
Elevate your Lunar New Year celebration with this epic bundle! This limited-edition set of four top terroir teas is here to help you welcome the Year of the Tiger. It’s a tradition to start the new year with all things you want more of throughout the year, so of course, fantastic tea is vital to have! Each of these teas represents the pinnacle of their style of tea from the most prestigious terroir.
What’s included in the King Bundle:
– Xi Hu Long Jing, Shi Feng Shan, Xi Hu (West Lake), First Pluck 2021
– Rou Gui, Tao Shu Ke, Wu Yi Shan, Spring 2021
– Ba Xian, Ya Hou, Feng Huang Shan, Spring 2021
– Chan Cha, Huang Dan, Pu Tian, Early Spring 2021
Tea + Dim Sum Lunar New Year Pairing:
Three types of pre-made, frozen Nom Wah Dim Sums:
– Pork and Cabbage Dumplings (21 pieces)
– Chicken Siu Mai (19 pieces)
– Har Gow – Shrimp (23 pieces)
No assembly required! You will be steaming and pan-frying only
Three samples of Tea Drunk teas:
– Bai Mu Dan – White tea
– Shui Xian – Yan Cha
– Gua Pian – Green Tea
Two dipping sauces (8oz bottles of each):
– Roasted Chili Oil
– Dumpling Sauce
Entry to the Zoom event
King Bundle Price: $155
Tea + Dim Sum Lunar New Year Pairing Price: $149
TEA DEALERS: China: Lunar New Year Limited Edition Set
A collection of eight of their most intriguing Chinese teas in a hand-drawn, festive box that is perfect for gifting during the LNY. Individually packed in 8g single serving sizes that include green tea, white tea, oolong, red tea, and Puerh. One of the oolongs is especially auspicious as it is a vintage from the previous year of the tiger in 2010!
What’s Included in the Lunar New Year Limited Edition Set:
– Ming Qian Long Jing 明前龙井
– Xin Yang Mao Jian 信阳毛尖
– Organic Gongmei 贡眉 2020
– Tie Guan Yin Classic 铁观音 2010 (Previous Year of the Tiger)
– Shui Xian 水仙 2019
– Lapsang Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong Orchid 正山小种兰 2021
– Lao Gong Ting Shou Puerh “Old Palace” 老宫廷 熟普洱茶 2012Good – Fortune Tribute 2002 Sheng Puerh 生普洱
*8 grams of each tea
Price: $150
PLUM BLOSSOM INK ART: Chinese Painting & Calligraphy Workshop with Lunch
This will be a lovely lunchtime out event for you to meet like-minded people, perhaps you will be inspired to carry on learning more of these ancient skills.
Or simply get this as a gift to someone you know who loves Chinese culture, especially Chinese calligraphy, and painting.
What’s included in the Workshop with Lunch:
– At least 3 brushes, one big brush with wolf hair or mixed hair for the calligraphy, one median ideally sheep hair for painting, one small firm brush with wolf hair for painting the fine lines such as the blossom stamens;
– A palette or a small white plate;
– A jug for clear water;
– A painting matt;
– Chinese pigments at least red, white;
– Brush rest
– Ink dish
Materials: (Provided for all)
– Red Xuan paper;
– Bamboo & Xuan practice paper
– Chinese ink
Price: £35.00
HO YUM TEA: Year of the Tiger 2022 – Gift Box
Get your festive tea sampler for the year of the tiger 2022 🐯🏮
This year is Nadi’s year 🐅 and the folks of Ho Yum Tea are going to celebrate it properly with a new collection of their favorite Winter tea, packed in a natural wooden box 💝
Gift Box Contains:
– Qi Lan 2021 – Wuyi Rock Tea (8g) – New!
– Da Hong Pao 2021 – Wuyi Rock Tea (8g) – New!
– Bai Ji Guan 2021 – Wuyi Full Rock Tea (8g) – New! And yes, it’s a genuine full rock
– Yiwu Jin Hao 2009 – Shu Pu’er (10g)
– Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (Lapsang Souchong) 2009 – Smoky Aged Red Tea
Check out their cake recipe just in time for CNY below!
Price: $41.14 USD
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