太極，太極拳，太極班，陳式太極

The Etiquette of Drinking Chinese Wine

In the well-known Chinese novel "Outlaws Of The Marsh", there is a famous scene that relates to how Chinese wine is consumed.   In the story a great Kung Fu Master named Wu Song was on a journey, his plan was to walk through a mountain located in Shandong Province. When he arrived at the mountain he decided to stop at a restaurant to take a rest. The restaurant was famous for its potent wine, it was said that anyone who consumed more than 3 bowls was unable to walk through the mountain.  But he was sure that he could do it, he was strong and capable of consuming large amounts of alcohol.   So he ordered and drank 18 bowls and became very drunk.  He then got up and continued on his journey, as he walked along the path he encountered a fierce tiger.  The alcohol that was still pulsing through his veins gave him courage, he felt powerful, so he fought a great fight with the tiger and defeated him. 

In Henan Province it is a minimum requirement for people to drink at least 3 bowls of Chinese wine.  It is considered unfriendly and rude to not follow this tradition. There are certain other rules for drinking Chinese wine that are part of Chinese culture in general.  Younger people have to make toasts to their elders usually reciting auspicious words and wishes for good health.  As a sign of respect, when making a toast, the more junior person will have to hold their cup lower than the person to whom they are toasting. 

I remember having to do this during one of my visits to Chen Village.  I was having dinner with my Sifu and his family.  The Village Elders, who were the descendants of other Chen Tai Chi Masters, were also invited.  The round table was full.  I had to toast each person, I toasted 12 times in the first round.  It was a strong Chinese white wine, but I had to do this to honor my Sifu and to show him my respect. 

Drinking with peers is less complicated.  However, it is important to remember that sharing a drink can only be done if there is a close relationship between the two people.  Otherwise, never pour wine from your cup to someone else's cup, even if you see someone else doing it, it is considered a very big insult. 

Henanese people consider it very normal to finish a few bottles of Chinese wine.  It is not easy for foreigners who visit Henan to understand why or how the Henanese drink this way.  If you find yourself in this position and you don't want to insult your host, just clink your glass a little harder while toasting, that way half the wine will drop to the floor.  This is one way to save yourself!