盡管中國古代神話(mythology)沒有十分完整的情節(jié)，神話人物也沒有系統(tǒng)的家譜(genealogy)，但它們卻有著鮮明的東方文化特色，其中尤為顯著的是它的尚德精神(the spiritof esteeming virtue)。這種尚德精神在與西方神話特別是希臘神話比較時(shí)，顯得更加突出。在西方神話尤其是希臘神話中，對神的褒貶標(biāo)準(zhǔn)多以智慧、力量為準(zhǔn)則，而中國古代神話對神的褒貶則多以道德為準(zhǔn)繩。這種思維方式深植于中國的文化之中。幾千年來，這種尚德精神影響著人們對歷史人物的品評與現(xiàn)實(shí)人物的期望。

　　Although ancient Chinese mythology does not have relatively complete plot and mythological figures don't have systematic genealogy, they have distinct features of oriental culture, among which the spirit of esteeming virtue is particularly significant.When compared with Western mythology, especially Greek mythology, this spirit of esteeming virtue is even more prominent.In Western mythology, especially Greek mythology,the criteria for judging whether a god is good or not are mostly the god's wisdom and strength,while in ancient Chinese mythology, the criterion lies in morality. This way of thinking is deeply rooted in Chinese culture.For thousands of years, this spirit of esteeming virtue has affected people's comments on historical figures and expectations of real people.

　　當(dāng)今社會(huì)，客來敬茶已經(jīng)成為人們?nèi)粘Ｉ缃缓图彝ド钪衅毡榈耐鶃矶Y儀。俗話說:酒滿茶半。上茶時(shí)應(yīng)以右手端茶，從客人的右方奉上，并時(shí)帶微笑。當(dāng)然，喝茶的客人也要以禮還禮，雙手接過，點(diǎn)頭致謝。品茶時(shí)，講究小口品飲，其妙趣在于意會(huì)而不可言傳。另外，可適當(dāng)稱贊主人茶好。總之，敬茶是國人禮儀中 待客的一種日常禮節(jié)，也是社會(huì)交往的一項(xiàng)內(nèi)容，不僅是對客人、朋友的尊重, 也能體現(xiàn)自己的修養(yǎng)(self-cultivation)。

　　Nowadays, offering tea to guests has becomecommon etiquette in daily social interaction andfamily life. As the saying goes, white spirit, full cup;tea, half cup. Tea cup should be held on the righthand and offered to guests with a smile from theirright side. Of course,the guests should pay respect as well, taking over the cup with bothhands and nodding to express his thanks. When tasting tea,you should drink it in small sips,the beauty and fun of which is beyond words. In addition, you could praise the tea of theowner appropriately. In short, offering tea is a daily ritual of Chinese people when receivingguests and it is also part of social interaction. It can not only show respect to guests andfriends, but also reflect your self-cultivation.