用英语讲中国文化：叩指谢茶「Knocking Fingers for Tea Gratitude」

Knocking Fingers for Tea Gratitude:

In the rich and elaborate tapestry of Chinese tea culture, a captivating and distinct etiquette exists, known as "knocking fingers for tea gratitude". This is what we often refer to as the "knocking - fingers etiquette", also known as the "tea - gratitude etiquette" or "using bent fingers to represent kneeling". Once you understand this, the three common types of knocking - fingers etiquette won't be confused. This seemingly simple yet highly meaningful gesture boasts a long - standing history and is deeply rooted in the social fabric of tea - drinking occasions.

在中国茶文化那丰富而精致的画卷中，有一种引人入胜且独特的礼仪 ——“叩指谢茶”。这就是我们常说的 “叩指礼”，又称 “谢茶礼” 或 “屈指代跪”。明白这点后，常见的 3 种叩指礼就不会弄混了。这个看似简单却极具深意的手势有着悠久的历史，深深扎根于饮茶场合的社交结构之中。

The origin of this etiquette can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong once embarked on an incognito journey in the southern regions. During a pleasant tea - drinking session at a teahouse, the benevolent emperor, out of his kind heart, personally poured tea for his servants. Ordinarily, servants would kneel down as a sign of deep gratitude to the emperor. However, given their presence in a public place and the emperor's incognito status, kneeling was not a viable option. To prevent the emperor's identity from being revealed, a resourceful servant hit upon a brilliant idea. He bent his fingers and gently knocked them on the table, skillfully mimicking the action of kneeling. This ingenious solution not only effectively expressed gratitude but also successfully maintained the secrecy. From that moment on, this gesture gradually spread among the common folks and evolved into a popular way to convey gratitude when someone pours tea for you.

这个礼仪的起源可追溯至清朝。传说乾隆皇帝曾微服南巡。在一家茶馆惬意饮茶时，仁慈的皇帝出于好心，亲自为侍从们倒茶。通常情况下，侍从们会下跪以向皇帝表达深深的感激之情。然而，由于身处公共场所且皇帝微服出行，下跪并不适宜。为避免暴露皇帝身份，一位足智多谋的侍从想出了一个绝妙主意。他弯曲手指，在桌上轻轻敲击，巧妙地模仿下跪动作。这个巧妙的办法不仅有效地表达了感激，还成功地保守了秘密。从那时起，这个手势逐渐在民间传播开来，演变成当有人为你倒茶时表达感激的一种流行方式。

The knocking fingers gesture is far from a random act; it bears specific meanings. Generally, the number of knocks and the manner of knocking convey varying degrees of gratitude.

When an elder pours tea, the younger person should express gratitude with respect. The younger person should put their five fingers together, with the palm of the fist facing down, and gently tap the table three times. This is equivalent to prostrating oneself in respect.

2. When the tea - pourer is a peer

When a peer pours tea, the recipient should put their index finger and middle finger together and gently tap the table three times. This is equivalent to making a fist with both hands and bowing in greeting.

3. When the tea - pourer is a younger person

When a younger person pours tea, an elder usually taps the table once with their index finger, which is equivalent to nodding to express gratitude. However, if the elder taps three times, it should be noted that this indicates the elder's appreciation for the younger person.

叩指手势绝非随意之举，它有着特定含义。一般而言，敲击的次数和方式传达着不同程度的感激之情。

1. 倒茶者是长辈

长辈倒茶，晚辈表示感谢要恭恭敬敬，五指并拢、拳心朝下，轻轻敲击桌面三下即可，相当于五体投地。

2. 倒茶者是平辈

平辈倒茶，食指中指并拢，轻轻敲击桌面三下，相当于双手抱拳作揖。

3. 倒茶者是晚辈

晚辈倒茶，长辈一般常用食指敲击桌面一下即可，相当于是点下头表示感谢。如果长辈敲三下，那就要注意了，这表示长辈对晚辈的欣赏。

This etiquette is extensively practiced in diverse tea - drinking settings. In a traditional Chinese teahouse, whether it's a bustling urban teahouse filled with the lively chatter of customers or a serene rural teahouse surrounded by the beauty of nature, one can frequently observe people using this gesture. It imparts a touch of cultural charm to the simple act of tea - drinking. During family gatherings, when family members pour tea for one another, the knocking fingers gesture helps strengthen the family bond. In business meetings over tea, it also plays a crucial role. The proper use of this etiquette can demonstrate one's good manners and cultural awareness, which may have a positive influence on business negotiations.

这种礼仪在各种饮茶场景中广泛践行。在传统的中国茶馆里，无论是热闹喧嚣、顾客谈笑声不断的城市茶馆，还是宁静祥和、被自然美景环绕的乡村茶馆，人们常常能看到有人使用这个手势。它为简单的饮茶行为增添了一抹文化魅力。在家庭聚会中，当家庭成员相互倒茶时，叩指手势有助于强化家庭纽带。在以茶会友的商务会议中，它同样发挥着关键作用。恰当地运用这一礼仪能够展现个人良好的举止和文化素养，这可能对商务谈判产生积极影响。

In modern society, despite the significant changes in the pace of life, the etiquette of knocking fingers for tea gratitude still holds great significance. It serves as a vital link to our traditional culture, constantly reminding people of the rich heritage of Chinese tea culture. Moreover, in a world where face - to - face communication is becoming increasingly important, this simple gesture can contribute to creating a harmonious and friendly atmosphere in social interactions. It represents a non - verbal means of expressing gratitude, capable of transcending language barriers and being understood by people from diverse backgrounds. The "knocking - fingers etiquette" is not only applicable when drinking tea but also when drinking alcohol. Using the correct etiquette can demonstrate your cultivation and taste. There are many such details.

在现代社会，尽管生活节奏发生了显著变化，叩指谢茶的礼仪依然意义重大。它是连接我们传统文化的重要纽带，时刻提醒人们中国茶文化的丰富遗产。此外，在一个面对面交流愈发重要的世界里，这个简单的手势有助于在社交互动中营造和谐友好的氛围。它是一种非语言的感激表达方式，能够跨越语言障碍，被不同背景的人所理解。“叩指礼” 不仅仅是喝茶时的礼节，在喝酒时同样适用。正确的做法可以彰显你的修养和品位，这样的细节还有很多。

Questions

A. In the Tang Dynasty.

B. In the Song Dynasty.

C. In the Qing Dynasty.

D. In modern times.

2. Why did the servant knock his fingers on the table instead of kneeling?

A. He didn't want to show gratitude.

B. Kneeling was not allowed in the teahouse.

C. He wanted to show his creativity.

D. The emperor was traveling incognito and kneeling would reveal his identity.

3. What does it mean when an elder uses three knocks in response to a younger person pouring tea?

A. A basic level of gratitude.

B. A more equal and friendly form of gratitude.

C. A more formal and respectful way of showing gratitude.

D. The elder's appreciation for the younger person.

4. Where can we often see the practice of knocking fingers for tea gratitude?

A. Only in traditional Chinese teahouses.

B. In family gatherings, business meetings over tea, and traditional teahouses.

C. Only in family gatherings.

D. Only in business meetings.

5. What is the significance of this etiquette in modern society?

A. It has no meaning in modern fast - paced life.

B. It only serves as a decoration in tea - drinking.

C. It links to traditional culture and helps create a harmonious social atmosphere.

D. It is only used to show off one's knowledge.

Answers and Explanations

Explanation: The passage clearly states, "The origin of this etiquette can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty." Thus, option C is correct. Options A and B are incorrect because the origin is not in the Tang or Song Dynasty. Option D is wrong as it has a long - standing history, not originating in modern times.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage mentions, "since they were in a public place and the emperor was traveling anonymously, kneeling was not an option... To avoid revealing the emperor's identity, a quick - witted servant came up with an idea. He bent his fingers and knocked them on the table." Option A is incorrect as the servant intended to show gratitude. Option B is not the reason stated in the passage. Option C is wrong because the main purpose was to maintain secrecy, not to show creativity.

3. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage says, "When a younger person pours tea, an elder usually taps the table once with their index finger, which is equivalent to nodding to express gratitude. However, if the elder taps three times, it should be noted that this indicates the elder's appreciation for the younger person." Option A pertains to a younger person's response to an elder pouring tea. Option B is for peers pouring tea for each other. Option C is the meaning when a younger person responds to an elder pouring tea.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage states, "This etiquette is widely practiced in various tea - drinking settings. In a traditional Chinese teahouse... In family gatherings... In business meetings over tea." Option A is too restrictive as it is not only practiced in teahouses. Option C and D are also incorrect as it is practiced in all these mentioned settings.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage mentions, "It serves as a link to our traditional culture... Moreover, this simple gesture can help create a harmonious and friendly atmosphere in social interactions." Option A is incorrect as it still holds great significance. Option B is wrong as it is more than just a decoration. Option D does not align with the content of the passage.

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