Tea is a beverage that has shaped cultures all over the world. It is a symbol of hospitality, a way to connect with others, and on some occasions even a ritualised event.
From the humble British afternoon tea to India’s sweet chai, tea is consumed on both casual and formal occasions all around the world. This article will explore the culture of tea and how it has influenced different countries’ traditions and modern society.
Origins
In China, the tea culture has a long and rich history that has resulted in a diverse range of styles, tastes and practices. The way we make tea can have as many nuances and flavors as the plant itself, with factors like the season of harvest, altitude grown, oxidation level and processing methods all contributing to the end result.
In Chinese tradition, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea by chance when a leaf fell into his pot of boiling water. He decided to experiment with the leaves and found that he enjoyed the brew.
The drink became popular outside the monastery walls and was adopted by the shoguns who from 1185 to 1868 controlled Japan. They refined the ceremony making it a more sober and quiet event perfect for discussion of sensitive matters.
China
Tea has been an intrinsic part of Chinese culture for centuries. This omnipresent beverage has been the subject of poetry, paintings and significant social events.
According to legend, Shen Nung, an ancient Chinese emperor, discovered tea in 2737 BCE. He reportedly liked his drinking water boiled and when his servant began boiling the water, a dead leaf from a wild tea bush fell into it. He drank it and found the infused liquid refreshing.
He encouraged his subjects to drink it for its healthful properties and the practice soon spread throughout China. It became a staple for devout Buddhist monks, as well. By the Tang dynasty (618 – 907), tea had become highly revered and an elaborate ceremony was developed. Lu Yu, an 8th century Tang dynasty writer, wrote The Classic of Tea (Cha Jing) which is the oldest known guide to tea drinking.
India
Tea has become a central part of life in India. It’s slurped at all times of day and blended with spices to create a range of flavours. A visit to a tea estate in the eastern Himalayas is an opportunity to learn about the process and savour the brew at its source.
The British cleared jungle in Assam to plant Chinese tea bushes and today it’s one of the country’s top producers. The region’s tropical monsoon climate and similar geography to China’s Yunnan province make it ideal for tea production.
After independence, tea marketing promoted the beverage as Swadeshi (indigenous) and tied it to Indian identity. This nationalist message resonated with a population eager to break free from British rule. Tea became a drink that united people across class, religion and gender.
Japan
Japanese tea culture (sado or chanoyu) has a deep and complicated history. It all began when monks brought seeds back from China to grow around their monastery walls. They would finely grind the leaves and pour hot water over them. Over time they would begin to serve the drinks to samurai and the tea ceremony slowly started to move outside of temple walls.
In the 15th century a farmer named Nagatani Soen worked on ways to improve his tea. He figured out how to shade his plants and showcase all the flavors that the plant had to offer.
Tea in Japan became popular with the samurai class, and was served in large rooms decorated with expensive Chinese utensils. Tea is now one of the most consumed beverages in the country.
The West
Tea drinking became popular in the West during the 17th century. It was introduced to Europe by traders and missionaries who traveled back and forth between China and Japan via the Silk Roads.
In China, a culture of tea has evolved into an entire way of life. Tea is a drink that brings joy, health, and harmony to the people who drink it. It is a beverage that is enjoyed by all levels of society.
The Chinese tea culture includes complex preparation methods, elaborate ceremonies, and intricate rules for how to serve tea. Tea is often given as a gift or to show respect, such as when a younger person pours tea for an older person or when one person apologizes with a cup of tea.