Tea In Ancestral Worship

Emperor Wu of the southern Qi Dynasty, Xiao Yu, was an open-minded and frugal emperor, who cared for the welfare of his people. Before his death, he decreed, "Keep my burial frugal. Just offer fruits and tea." He also ordered that everyone should follow this custom.
Tea is not only an antidote for poison or thirst; it can replace wine to entertain guests, as a burial item or in ancestral or religious worship. Its uses, both physical and spiritual, are far beyond its natural attributes. The Buddhists loved tea giving it an even richer cultural meaning. At the same time, Confucians and Taoists also integrated tea-drinking customs. Royals, scholars, Confucians, Taoists and Buddhists supported the drinking of tea.