Tea has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years and many different cultures.
Mythical Origins of Tea
The origins of tea are shrouded in legend, but it is believed that it was first discovered in ancient China.
According to one popular legend, tea was discovered by the Chinese emperor Shennong in 2737 BC, when a leaf from a tea tree fell into his cup of hot water. Shennong is also credited with the discovery of many other medicinal herbs and plants, and is revered as the “Father of Chinese Medicine.”
Another legend tells of a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma, who, after meditating for nine years in a cave, became so tired that he fell asleep. To prevent himself from falling asleep again, it’s said that he cut off his own eyelids and threw them to the ground. The story goes on to claim that tea plants grew from the location where his eyelids landed.
Tea in Ancient China
Regardless of how it was discovered, tea has been an important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. It was consumed for its medicinal properties since at least the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and was used to treat a wide range of ailments.
Tea was also used by Buddhist monks to aid their meditative practice, and it was often consumed in religious ceremonies.
In China, tea has been consumed for enjoyment since at least the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
Tea in Japan
Tea was first introduced to Japan in the 8th century, where it quickly became a popular beverage.
The Japanese developed their own unique tea ceremony, known as “chadō”, or “cha-no-yu”, which focused on the aesthetics of preparing and drinking tea. The ceremony was also seen as a way to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
Chadō, along with Kōdō and Kadō are often considered to be integral parts of Japanese culture and are collectively known as The Three Classical Japanese Arts of Refinement.
Introduction of Tea to Europe
Tea was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, where it quickly gained popularity. It was initially seen as a luxury item and was only consumed by the wealthy. However, as tea production increased, it became more widely available and eventually became a popular beverage among all social classes.
In the 19th century, tea became a major commodity and was traded on the world market. The British Empire played a significant role in the global trade of tea, and it became a key component of the British economy. The British East India Company established tea plantations in India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to meet the growing demand for tea in Europe and to compete with the Chinese tea market.
Modern Tea Production and Consumption
Today, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. It is grown in many different countries, including China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Kenya, and Indonesia.
There are many different types of tea, including black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea. Each type of tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but the way the leaves are processed determines the final product.
Types of Tea
Black tea is the most popular type of tea in the Western world. It is made from leaves that have been fully fermented, which gives it its dark color and full-bodied flavor.
Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and has a lighter, more delicate flavor profile, often with notes of grass, flowers, and nuts.
White tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant and is the least processed of all the tea types. This type of tea can taste anywhere from earth and spice, to floral and sweet.
Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea that has a flavor that is somewhere between black tea and green tea. Oolong teas can vary drastically in flavor depending upon the processing techniques. Flavor notes can range from bright and fruity, to dark and toasty, and anywhere in between.
Herbal tea is often referred to as a “tisane” and is made from a variety of plants, including herbs, flowers, and fruits, and does not contain any tea leaves. Examples of popular herbal teas include chamomile, hibiscus, and lemongrass.
There are also some lesser-known regional styles of tea, such puer or yellow tea, but the teas listed above are the most commonly found teas on the global market.
Influence of Tea in Literature and Art
In addition to its popularity as a beverage, tea has also played an important role in literature and art, both as a subject and as a source of inspiration. It has been a subject of poetry and paintings, and it has inspired countless works of fiction.
In many works of literature and art, tea is depicted as a symbol of culture, refinement, and social interaction.
For example, in Japanese literature and art, the tea ceremony is often depicted as a ritual of great importance, symbolizing harmony, respect, and spiritual purity.
In Western literature and art, tea is often used as a symbol of sophistication and refinement, and is frequently depicted in scenes of social interaction.
Tea has also been an important subject in many works of fiction, with numerous novels and short stories featuring tea as a central theme or element.
