腊茶臘茶
Term · History
wax tea
Literal meaning
wax tea
Definition#
'Wax tea', the premium pressed tea of Song Fujian (Jian'an/Jianzhou), named for the glossy surface of the cakes or the milky, wax-like liquor when whisked. Ouyang Xiu contrasts Fujian wax tea with the 'grass tea' (草茶) of Zhejiang; the Song History calls Beiyuan wax tea the finest.
Translation and usage#
| Language | Use | Alternatives & cautions |
|---|---|---|
| English | wax tea Song Fujian pressed tribute tea translation |
Also acceptable
Avoid waxed tea implies the cakes were coated or sealed with wax, which is only one disputed explanation |
| Deutsch | Wachstee gepresster Tributtee aus Fujian (Song) translation |
Also acceptable
|
| Русский | «восковой чай» сунский прессованный чай из Фуцзяни translation |
Also acceptable
|
| 简体字 | 腊茶 | Also acceptable
|
| 繁體字 | 蠟茶 | Also acceptable
Regional usage
|
| 日本語 | 蠟茶 |
Common confusions#
- Two spellings, 腊/臘 and 蜡/蠟, appear in Song texts for the same tea.
- Babelcarp notes the name's explanation (wax seal or wax-like froth) is uncertain.