Tea Mastery brand, “Tea Couple,” presents an enchanting tea dance performance at the opening ceremony of the Executive Board meeting of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations.
“Vietnamese National Tea”
A deep-rooted history and culture: Vietnam boasts a 5,000-year-old tea culture intertwined with its water-based agricultural heritage. Initially regarded as a medicinal herb for detoxification, tea gradually became a staple beverage for the Vietnamese people. Tea trees are abundant across the country, from the northern provinces with ancient tea trees over 500 years old to the southern regions known for their unique and exquisite tea varieties, notably in Lam Dong and other provinces.
The essence of Vietnamese tea: In Vietnam, the spirit and soul of tea are deeply connected to the country’s resilient history, marked by numerous natural disasters and foreign invasions. The inclusive nature of the Vietnamese people gives rise to a diverse tea-drinking culture, ranging from simple and straightforward to intricate and complex rituals. Each style reflects a unique perspective on life, emphasizing honor, sincerity, and genuine human connections, as exemplified by the saying, “tea servants and wine generals,” which conveys the humble and devoted spirit of the Vietnamese tea culture.
Vietnamese tea culture, known as “Vietnamese Tea Ceremony,” encapsulates the nation’s cultural identity through its diverse and thoughtful approaches to tea appreciation. This richness is further expressed through the five styles of the Vietnamese Tea Ceremony: Natural Style, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility; Literary Style, requiring a deeper understanding of tea and its rituals; Royal Style, reserved for royalty and the upper echelons of society; Quiet Style, promoting tranquility and introspection; and Scholarly Style, combining tea with intellectual pursuits such as reading and art appreciation, enriching the minds and souls of the Vietnamese people.
Journey towards Intangible Cultural Heritage
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam UNESCO Association, and Member of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations, shared his insights: “Tea is an incredibly refined aspect of Vietnamese life and culture, dating back thousands of years. However, for UNESCO recognition, we must build a scientific argument showcasing its unique and cultural characteristics. This is a task we must undertake. Should UNESCO recognize Vietnamese tea culture as intangible cultural heritage, it would be a tremendous honor for our country. I firmly believe that we possess the necessary scientific and cultural prerequisites to make a compelling case, and I am confident that the world will come to admire and value Vietnamese tea culture. It is only a matter of time before UNESCO considers it for inclusion as intangible cultural heritage. To achieve this goal, collaboration across multiple sectors, including economics, culture, and media, is essential, and we, at Vietnam UNESCO, are committed to advocating for the recognition of Vietnamese tea culture as a valuable intangible cultural heritage.”
Delegates, cultural experts, and scholars from Vietnam and abroad attended the event.
According to Tea Master Pham Cong Tuan Ha, representing the Tea Couple brand, “When we delve into the cultural essence of Vietnamese tea, we uncover the profound depth of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Tea, along with the way it is served, the tea utensils used, and the overall ritual, embodies the long-standing traditions of Vietnam. With such a rich tea culture, we have every reason to be proud. I hope that UNESCO will continue to recognize and appreciate the full spectrum of our tea culture, acknowledging its diversity and unique characteristics.”
International cultural experts engage in discussions about tea culture at the event.
Ms. Da Nguyet Lan, Representative of the China UNESCO Association, shared her impressions: “I was pleasantly surprised to be welcomed with a carefully prepared tea ceremony and treated to a visually stunning and meaningful artistic performance by the tea ladies at this year’s UNESCO conference in Vietnam. The delegates were captivated by this unique and beautiful aspect of Vietnamese culture. In 2023, China had the honor of having the Ancient Tea Tree Forest in Pu’er recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage site. I firmly believe that if Vietnamese Tea Culture is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, it will be yet another invaluable addition to the world’s cultural treasures, ensuring its preservation and promoting its development for future generations.”
International delegates indulging in the “Vietnamese National Tea” by the Tea Couple brand.
Pioneer on the Heritage Journey
The Tea Couple brand has diligently researched and promoted the cultural essence of Vietnamese tea, introducing it to a wider audience through various cultural, economic, political, and social events, both domestically and internationally. Notable highlights include: In 2023, as part of the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum, Tea Couple collaborated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to successfully organize the “CEO 100 Tea Connect” event, introducing a novel form of diplomacy through tea, aptly named “Tea Connect.” Tea Couple also had the distinct honor of being the first and only Vietnamese representative at the World Tea Expo 2024 in the United States. During the Hung King Temple Festival in Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, Tea Couple, along with the organizers, offered the “Vietnamese National Tea” as a tribute to the Hung Kings and their ancestors. Additionally, at the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Festival in Da Nang, Tea Couple proudly presented the first-ever tea ceremony featuring both Japanese Tea Ceremony and Vietnamese Tea Ceremony, showcasing the beauty of tea cultures from both nations.
Tea Couple brand receives UNESCO recognition.
At the 43rd Executive Board meeting of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations in Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province, the Tea Couple brand was honored to receive the “Pioneer on the Heritage Journey” award from UNESCO.
