Chinese Alcohol — History, Culture, Utensil, Classification, and Etiquette
Chinese alcohol is integral to worship, sacrificial ceremonies, big events, and feasts.
It constitutes an entire culture that encompasses its origins, sages, art, utensils, functions, and classifications.
Lacquer Wine Cup (Er Bei) of the Han Dynasty — Hunan Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
History of Chinese Alcohol
In the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC — 1600 BC), using grains to make alcohol, also called millet wine, was popular.
During this period, nobles used Jue, a type of exquisite bronze ware, to place alcohol in sacrificial ceremonies and to drink it on important occasions.
Bronze Wine Cup (Jue) Unearthed from Erlitou, Believed the Relic Site of Part of the Xia Dynasty — Luoyang Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
In the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC — 1046 BC), agriculture and alcohol-making skills further developed.
Chinese Character of Alcohol (on Right Side), on Unearthed Oracle of the Shang Dynasty.
When more types of grains were applied in the alcohol-making process, the ruling class tried to limit its production, save money and foodstuff, and avoid the chaos caused by over-drinking.
However, the alcohol industry kept developing in types and making techniques.
Bottle and Alcohol of the Warring States Period (403 BC — 221 BC), Unearthed from Tomb of King of Zhongshan — Hebei Museum
After Zhang Qian (164 BC — 114 BC) opened up the Silk Road and introduced grapes, grape wine became an important type.
Gradually, alcoholic drinks became popularized on civilians' dining tables and used to cure disease or relieve pain.
About 1800 years ago, the limitation of alcohol production was finally removed.
When people could freely produce, sell, and drink alcohol as much as they wanted, the industry became prosperous.
Part of Painting (Wen Hui Tu) by Emperor Zhao Ji (1082 — 1135), Presenting the Feast of Intelligent Scholars — Taipei Palace Museum
Afterward, drinking is connected to nearly all important occasions, events, and holidays in Chinese culture.
Sage of Alcohol in Chinese Culture
Yi Di, an official of Yu the Great, is believed to have invented, organized, and developed alcohol-making technology.
Du Kang, also named Shao Kang, is the most famous, well-acknowledged Sage of alcohol in Chinese Culture who invented alcohol using sorghum.
He was an official of the Yellow Emperor, or, in other historical documentation, a king of the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC — 1600 BC).
Sage of Alcohol Du Kang, Picture from Snow Fish.
Alcohol Utensils in History, Photo by Dongmaiying.
Main Functions of Alcoholic Drinks
Nowadays, alcohol is an important part of big ceremonies to celebrate happiness, forget sadness, and boost courage.
It was also widely used for medical purposes, such as disinfecting and curing diseases.
Gilding Copper Wine Cup (Er Bei) and Its Shelf of the Han Dynasty — Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Situations Where Alcohol Consumption is Not Suitable
It is believed unhealthy for people to drink alcohol:
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When someone is having bad emotions, such as being too sad or angry;
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When physically uncomfortable;
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With an empty or too-full stomach.
Important Elements in Chinese Alcohol Culture
Companion
Generally, drinking with family and good friends, people with noble morals, and loved ones.
Environment
Alcohol should be appreciated in beautiful and elegant places.
Spring in a pavilion, summer in the countryside, autumn on a boat, winter in the house, or nighttime under the moon.
Painting "Lan Ting Xiu Xi" by Wen Huiming (1470 － 1559), Presents An Ancient Way for People to Drink from Cups that are Floating in River — Palace Museum
Content
People would play wager games, have intelligent or close conversations while drinking, or write poems.
Many brilliant poems and articles in Chinese history were created when authors were drinking.
Ivory Carved Cards Used in Drinker's Wager Games of the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912) — Shenyang Palace Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Main Classifications of Traditional Chinese Alcoholic Drinks
Fruit Wine, or Guojiu
Millet Wine, or Rice Wine, or Huangjiu
