Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Tea Drinking Traditions in the Nomadic Cultures of Eastern Siberia: Ritual, Hospitality, Feeling Full, Health

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Issue
Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2024 17 (4)
Authors
Beliaeva-Sachu, Veronika A.; Davydov, Vladimir N.
Contact information
Beliaeva-Sachu, Veronika A. : Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; ; ORCID: 0000-0003-4180-5027; Davydov, Vladimir N. : Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; ; ORCID: 0000-0003-2738-4609
Keywords
Eastern Siberia; tea; tea drinking; hospitality; food; alimentary culture; ritual; nomads
Abstract

The article is based on analysis of field materials on the use of tea, collected by the authors among the nomads of Eastern Siberia: Buryats, Tuvans, as well as Soyots, Evenkis, Dolgans and Chukchis. The article attempts to discuss the multiple facets of tea drinking practices and consider the meaning of tea drinking for representatives of local communities. Joint tea consuming is an essential element of the etiquette of interaction between Siberian nomads and guests. Tea preceded not only a festive or everyday meal, any acquaintance and any conversation began with tea drinking: personal, business, ceremonial ritual. Drinking tea is not only a satisfaction of thirst and hunger among representatives of the nomadic cattle-breeding and reindeer-herding peoples of Siberia. This is an important ritual action associated with the customs of hospitality, the tradition of maintaining social connections both within the family circle and with distant relatives, neighbors, matchmakers and strangers. Tea is a drink, food and medicine. It is well packaged and transported, easy to prepare and has a tonic and healing effect. Tea not only saturates, but also allows you to establish communication between people, as well as between humans and various beings/ spirits responsible for the well-being of local communities. The authors associate the wide distribution and popularity of this drink with its multi-functionality. It is the versatility and multiplicity of uses of tea that made it an indispensable companion for nomads

Pages
813–823
EDN
WXCSUK
Paper at repository of SibFU
https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/152839

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