In this special episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast, we celebrate the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year through a blend of literature, poetry, and tea. First, we dive into the novel Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, reflecting on its themes of forbidden love, the power of literature, and the coming-of-age journey set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution. The episode also revisits J.M.G. Le Clézio’s Tang Poetry anthology, exploring the timeless beauty of Chinese poetry that has influenced generations across the world.

To top off the celebration, we take you on a sensory journey with a tea tasting of organic Bai Mu Dan white tea. We discuss its delicate flavor profile, the process behind its production, and how it connects to the calm, contemplative moments often found in both literature and tradition. This episode blends the art of storytelling with the rich customs of Chinese culture, offering a serene yet deeply reflective experience to mark the start of the Lunar New Year.