Tea plays a large role in many cultures around the world. Here are just a few countries and how tea shapes their culture and daily life.
China:
Chinese legend holds that tea originated in 2727 BC when an emperor was purifying water and some tea leaves blew into his water. The emperor was captivated by the smell and taste of what the leaves created and since then tea has shaped the Chinese culture.
Tea was first used for medicinal purposes and then shifted into a beverage. Its medicinal uses have not been lost though, and drinking it can be seen as a way to help with meditating practices.
According to Food Network, China is the biggest producer of the plant and grows almost 29% of the world’s tea. Found in the mountains of the Sichuan province, the most expensive tea in the world can be about $200 for a small cup.
India:
In India, the legend is that a Buddhist monk traveled to China and vowed not to sleep for 9 years. When he started to get sleepy a few years into his trip, he discovered tea leaves and began chewing on them. The caffeine from the tea gave him the energy and alertness that he needed to stay awake for the rest of his journey.
Tea did not become widely popular in India until the 19th century when the British occupied the country. Because of tea’s relatively short history in the country, India does not have rituals like China and Japan; however, they are one of the largest importers of tea.
Japan:
The Japanese tale on the origin of tea is very similar to that of India; however, the traveling monk does fall asleep. When he awakes he is so disappointed in himself that he tears off his eyelids and throws them away. Where they land is the location of the first tea plant.
The Japanese culture, much like the Chinese, sees tea as a sacred plant. There were many schools dedicated to creating and learning ceremonies surrounding tea. Finally, one ceremony was decided upon for all future use, and it still used around the world today. The ceremony is used for the preparation of green tea and focuses more on the movements and gestures than tea itself.
Sixteen Century tea men took great pride in their tea jars, the shapes, and the textures. One of these types of jars wa the Chigusa and was displayed in a tearoom with special ornamental dressing for guests.
To learn more about the Chigusa at the Sackler Gallery exhibit Chigusa and the Art of Tea.
England:
It is hard picture English culture without a pause in the day for “afternoon tea.” Tea was brought to England in the 1600’s and at this time it was popular custom to eat one very large meal in the morning and one in the late evening. As the day wore on, people naturally grew hungry. Thus, tea time was adopted as a way to hold back hunger until dinner. The tradition is not just one that fuels the stomach, but also the social life. It was adopted first by the working class as a way to take a much needed break in the day and socialize with friends.
The United States:
While tea originated long before America was established, the teabag can be accredited to American Thomas Sullivan. He delivered samples of his tea in silk pouches and his customers did not know to empty the pouches and instead put the entire thing in water. This gave Sullivan the idea for teabags in 1904, and since this convenience has been adopted across the world.
The Smithsonian Associates will be hosting Louise Cort, curator of ceramics at Freer and Sackler Galleries; Michael Harney, vice president of Harney & Sons Tea, a New York-based family business; and Calli O’Brien, director of sales and marketing for DoMatcha, a line of Japanese green teas. They will discuss the history of tea and how it has shaped society, culture, and art around the world. Come learn why tea is timeless at Tea Across Time on July 9th. You can also taste a variety of new teas and maybe find a new favorite. Get your tickets here!
Read full descriptions of these countries’ tea cultures here.
Written by Emily Hines, social media intern at The Smithsonian Associates.
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