Ku Fu Tea
Growing up, watched my father and
uncle to prepare the “Ku Fu” tea with elaborated ceremonial procedures. First, cleaned the drinking utensils, heated
the cups warm to touch, drained the tealeaf three times, boiled the water to
the right temperature and poured the steaming water quickly to the
tealeaf. Sat and waited for a minute or
so, gingerly picked up the teapot, tilled it to a right angle and poured the
tea slowly and steadily to a tiny drinking cup.
What came out is this golden liquid
with a light but pleasant fragrant. I
watched my father sipped the tea, kept it inside his month for a few seconds, put
down his teacup, swallowed the tea and let out an appreciative sound. For a young child, this seemingly painstaking
process is an amazement and puzzlement.
I observed intensely how the whole saga repeated itself. I once asked my father to let me taste the
tea, it was so bitter than I never asked for a second.
Now, whenever I have time, I perform
the same ritual with enjoyment. Remember
my aging father, passed away uncle, my culture, my roots……I have finally grown
up to value things that matter to me and dear to my heart.
