Tea in the traditional culture of the Kalmyks and Tuvans

Abstract

The article analyzes the traditions and current state of consumption of milk tea among the Tuvans and Kalmyks. It was – and still is – considered a most required product characterized as vital, therapeutic, and, currently, ethnically essential. The paper examines the history of tea distribution, the established traditions of its preparation, depicts practices of its use in household and ceremonial activities of Kalmyks and Tuvans. The study reveals the use and significance of milk tea is associated with the introduction of extensive livestock breeding and the traditional worldview, with the sacred meaning (and value) of milk as a ‘white’, ‘sacred’ product. Methods of preparation of traditional milk tea – ‘khalmg tsӓ’ of the Kalmyks and ‘süttüg shay’ of the Tuvans – have certain differences in terms of brewing, order of ingredients, final stirring techniques, etc.

Keywords

• чай
• молочный чай
• калмыки
• тувинцы
• чайная церемония
• традиционная обрядность
• повседневность
• традиционная кухня