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Tea Around the World
As you read already, tea was discovered by accident.
But after being discovered it spread through the Chinese culture for centuries, but
the first book on tea wasn't written until around 800 A.D.
The author, Lu Yu, spent 5 years in seclusion, contemplating his life, and trying to
draw meaning out of it. He began writing down everything he observed, while
learning and practicing the various methods of tea preparation and cultivation in
ancient China. Thus the first book about tea was created. And the rest is History.
But after being discovered it spread through the Chinese culture for centuries, but
the first book on tea wasn't written until around 800 A.D.
The author, Lu Yu, spent 5 years in seclusion, contemplating his life, and trying to
draw meaning out of it. He began writing down everything he observed, while
learning and practicing the various methods of tea preparation and cultivation in
ancient China. Thus the first book about tea was created. And the rest is History.
The History of Tea in Japan
The Japanese were first introduced to tea when the Buddhist priest Yeisei observed the incredible benefits of
tea for religious meditation. Once tea was introduced in Japan, it spread like wildfire through the royal court,
monasteries, and other sections of Japanese society. Yeisei became known as the "Father of Tea" in Japan.
Tea became so popular in the Japanese culture that it became an art form, which led to the creation of the
Japanese Tea Ceremony. Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish-Greek journalist-historian was one of the very few
foreigners to be granted Japanese citizenship during this era. He wrote that the Japanese Tea Ceremony
requires years of experience and practice to graduate, and yet the whole idea consists of being able to make
and pour a cup of tea in the most perfect, polite, graceful, and most charming manner possible.
Things only started to turn for the better when three Zen priests restored the original idea of tea to the
Japanese culture. Their names were Ikkyu, Murata Shuko, and Sen-no Rikkyu. After decades of fighting to
restore the tradition, they finally succeeded and the Japanese Tea Ceremony was restored to it's original idea.
The Japanese were first introduced to tea when the Buddhist priest Yeisei observed the incredible benefits of
tea for religious meditation. Once tea was introduced in Japan, it spread like wildfire through the royal court,
monasteries, and other sections of Japanese society. Yeisei became known as the "Father of Tea" in Japan.
Tea became so popular in the Japanese culture that it became an art form, which led to the creation of the
Japanese Tea Ceremony. Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish-Greek journalist-historian was one of the very few
foreigners to be granted Japanese citizenship during this era. He wrote that the Japanese Tea Ceremony
requires years of experience and practice to graduate, and yet the whole idea consists of being able to make
and pour a cup of tea in the most perfect, polite, graceful, and most charming manner possible.
Things only started to turn for the better when three Zen priests restored the original idea of tea to the
Japanese culture. Their names were Ikkyu, Murata Shuko, and Sen-no Rikkyu. After decades of fighting to
restore the tradition, they finally succeeded and the Japanese Tea Ceremony was restored to it's original idea.
History of Tea in Europe
By the time Europe began hearing rumors of tea in the early 1600's, they were just starting to become
advanced in their navy. When tea landed in Europe, Rembrandt was only six years old and Elizabeth I was
still alive. At this time, tea was very expensive, costing over $100 per pound, which made it a delicacy that
was only available to the extremely wealthy. As the amount of tea which was imported increased, the
price fell and it was now available to places like apothecaries and common food shops throughout
Holland. However this didn't happen until 1675.
This tea craze swept throughout Europe, and it became a common
thing that people now had to drink. Tea sets were now coming out,
and it was starting to be served in restaurants. People were now
having "tea parties" outside their houses with a few guests.
Typically high tea is served at 3 or 4 in the afternoon with tea sandwiches, assorted puddings, cakes,
crumpets and scones served with jellies, marmalades and spreads of various kinds. There is, a proper
way to brew English tea. The teapot itself should be warmed in a stove or in a tub of boiling water before
the tea leaves are placed into its bowl. Then boiling water should be poured over the leaves to step for five
to seven minutes. Sugar cubes should be added after tea is prepared; milk before the tea enters the
teacup. An infuser can be used to extract a richer taste from tea leaves. Water should never be boiled
twice, as this creates a flat taste. Water may be added to the teapot to allow the tea leaves to steep fluidly
while the first cup is drunk, and a tea cozy is necessary for keeping the teapot warm. There must be a
small teapot, a tray, a sugar holder, a milk pitcher, tongs for sugar cubes, a saucer, a cup, and the tea
itself.
By the time Europe began hearing rumors of tea in the early 1600's, they were just starting to become
advanced in their navy. When tea landed in Europe, Rembrandt was only six years old and Elizabeth I was
still alive. At this time, tea was very expensive, costing over $100 per pound, which made it a delicacy that
was only available to the extremely wealthy. As the amount of tea which was imported increased, the
price fell and it was now available to places like apothecaries and common food shops throughout
Holland. However this didn't happen until 1675.
This tea craze swept throughout Europe, and it became a common
thing that people now had to drink. Tea sets were now coming out,
and it was starting to be served in restaurants. People were now
having "tea parties" outside their houses with a few guests.
Typically high tea is served at 3 or 4 in the afternoon with tea sandwiches, assorted puddings, cakes,
crumpets and scones served with jellies, marmalades and spreads of various kinds. There is, a proper
way to brew English tea. The teapot itself should be warmed in a stove or in a tub of boiling water before
the tea leaves are placed into its bowl. Then boiling water should be poured over the leaves to step for five
to seven minutes. Sugar cubes should be added after tea is prepared; milk before the tea enters the
teacup. An infuser can be used to extract a richer taste from tea leaves. Water should never be boiled
twice, as this creates a flat taste. Water may be added to the teapot to allow the tea leaves to steep fluidly
while the first cup is drunk, and a tea cozy is necessary for keeping the teapot warm. There must be a
small teapot, a tray, a sugar holder, a milk pitcher, tongs for sugar cubes, a saucer, a cup, and the tea
itself.
Things weren't always so glamorous for tea in Japan however. The more
popular this ceremony became, the more of it's original Zen concept was
lost. After time, the tea ceremony became corrupted with wealthy
families having "tea tournaments" in which they would compete against
each other for prizes by naming the correct type of tea blend.
As consumption rose, the health benefits of tea began to become
controversial between doctors and university authorities. This
controversy lasted from 1635 to roughly 1657, and during this
period France and Holland consumed the most tea.
History of Tea in Russia
Russian's began their interest in tea as early as 1618, but like so many other cultures the cost was too high to
get it imported, only the wealthy could attain it. They had to make a trip which was 11,000 miles long and took
over sixteen months to complete, so getting tea wasn't the easiest journey to complete. However, by the time
1796 came around and Catherine the Great died, importing tea was starting to become easier, prices dropped,
and it became available to the middle class. The Russians tend to favor tea which is very strong. Russian use
sugar, honey, and jam to sweeten their tea.
Tea remains a powerful influence in Russian society today, and along
with Vodka, is still the national drink of Russia.
Tea is consumed after meals and during mid-afternoon breaks.Loose
tea is brewed in either a hot teapot or a "samovar", a special tea-
making device that produces strong tea called "zavarka". Zavarka is
served in teacups or "stakan s podstakanni kom" (glass with metal
holder) diluted with hot water to fit personal taste. It is old Russian
tradition to serve tea with samovar after supper. After clearing the
supper table, the samovar is put in the center and the whole family
gathers around for tea. The samovar is the central symbol of the
Russian Tea Ceremony. As a combination teapot & brewing device, it is a truly unique creation. The lower unit
is urn like where the water is boiled, with a tap to pour out the brewed water. A teapot rests on top using heat
generated from the lower unit to create strong infusions, zavarka, which are then diluted with hot water from
the lower unit to suit personal tastes.
Russian's began their interest in tea as early as 1618, but like so many other cultures the cost was too high to
get it imported, only the wealthy could attain it. They had to make a trip which was 11,000 miles long and took
over sixteen months to complete, so getting tea wasn't the easiest journey to complete. However, by the time
1796 came around and Catherine the Great died, importing tea was starting to become easier, prices dropped,
and it became available to the middle class. The Russians tend to favor tea which is very strong. Russian use
sugar, honey, and jam to sweeten their tea.
Tea remains a powerful influence in Russian society today, and along
with Vodka, is still the national drink of Russia.
Tea is consumed after meals and during mid-afternoon breaks.Loose
tea is brewed in either a hot teapot or a "samovar", a special tea-
making device that produces strong tea called "zavarka". Zavarka is
served in teacups or "stakan s podstakanni kom" (glass with metal
holder) diluted with hot water to fit personal taste. It is old Russian
tradition to serve tea with samovar after supper. After clearing the
supper table, the samovar is put in the center and the whole family
gathers around for tea. The samovar is the central symbol of the
Russian Tea Ceremony. As a combination teapot & brewing device, it is a truly unique creation. The lower unit
is urn like where the water is boiled, with a tap to pour out the brewed water. A teapot rests on top using heat
generated from the lower unit to create strong infusions, zavarka, which are then diluted with hot water from
the lower unit to suit personal tastes.
The History of Tea in Korea
Pany-aro, or the Korean way of tea is characterized by an attention to detail and the creation of an ambience
that focuses on uniting the tea, the tea-maker and the guests with nature. When tea is being drunk, one person
presides over the ceremony, preparing and serving. Hot water is placed into the lipped bowl, from where it is
poured into the empty pot. This water warms the pot, and is then poured into the cups to warm them, before
being thrown away. In order to prepare green tea in the Korean way, a tea set (ch'a-gi) usually consisting of 3-5
cups (ch'at-chan) is used. There is a tea pot (ch'akwan), smaller than the English variety but larger than the
Chinese ones. In addition there is a large bowl into which the water used for warming the pot and cups can be
discarded (kaesukurut), and a smaller bowl for cooling the water and the tea, with a lip for pouring (mulshikim
sabal or kwittaekurut).
Korean tea is usually drunk holding the cup in both hands. The colour, aroma, fragrance, taste and lingering
aftertaste are all savoured.
Pany-aro, or the Korean way of tea is characterized by an attention to detail and the creation of an ambience
that focuses on uniting the tea, the tea-maker and the guests with nature. When tea is being drunk, one person
presides over the ceremony, preparing and serving. Hot water is placed into the lipped bowl, from where it is
poured into the empty pot. This water warms the pot, and is then poured into the cups to warm them, before
being thrown away. In order to prepare green tea in the Korean way, a tea set (ch'a-gi) usually consisting of 3-5
cups (ch'at-chan) is used. There is a tea pot (ch'akwan), smaller than the English variety but larger than the
Chinese ones. In addition there is a large bowl into which the water used for warming the pot and cups can be
discarded (kaesukurut), and a smaller bowl for cooling the water and the tea, with a lip for pouring (mulshikim
sabal or kwittaekurut).
Korean tea is usually drunk holding the cup in both hands. The colour, aroma, fragrance, taste and lingering
aftertaste are all savoured.
A stack of wooden saucers (patch'im) stands ready to receive the
cups after they have been filled. A second measure of hot water is
allowed to cool while a scoopful of tea is placed in the pot. When the
water is cool enough, it is poured into the pot. The water used to warm
the cups is discarded while the tea is allowed to draw in the pot for 2-3
minutes, and a new measure of hot water is placed in the lipped bowl
to cool for the second serving. The first serving of a new batch of tea is
poured directly into the cups, a little at a time, in order to spread
equally the stronger tea that emerges from the bottom of the teapot.
The filled cups are put on the saucers and these are then placed in
front of the drinkers. Cups should not be passed directly from hand to
hand: only one person moving at a time is the rule.
cups after they have been filled. A second measure of hot water is
allowed to cool while a scoopful of tea is placed in the pot. When the
water is cool enough, it is poured into the pot. The water used to warm
the cups is discarded while the tea is allowed to draw in the pot for 2-3
minutes, and a new measure of hot water is placed in the lipped bowl
to cool for the second serving. The first serving of a new batch of tea is
poured directly into the cups, a little at a time, in order to spread
equally the stronger tea that emerges from the bottom of the teapot.
The filled cups are put on the saucers and these are then placed in
front of the drinkers. Cups should not be passed directly from hand to
hand: only one person moving at a time is the rule.
Around the world, various cultures and countries have created ceremonies and rituals
surrounding tea, that like other rituals hold social, political and legal dimensions. Tea
culture is a culturally specific and learned phenomenon. In all cultures there are standard
sets of actions, behaviours and objects which can be seen as systems of symbols that
act to establish powerful, pervasive and long lasting traditions that seem uniquely
realistic. Drinking tea encompasses all these aspects. Tea cultures and their surrounding
rituals are reflective of the societies that create them because tea, like many food objects
and symbols are loaded with meaning. What allows tea to assume such functions is that
it contains, like many other rituals, a system of symbolic relations with the outside world.
In other words, tea rituals can be interpreted as a symbolic language that conveys
meanings that are only completely interpreted within the context of a specific culture.
These rituals create a common understanding of reality and renders life meaningful by
contributing to a system and social order.
surrounding tea, that like other rituals hold social, political and legal dimensions. Tea
culture is a culturally specific and learned phenomenon. In all cultures there are standard
sets of actions, behaviours and objects which can be seen as systems of symbols that
act to establish powerful, pervasive and long lasting traditions that seem uniquely
realistic. Drinking tea encompasses all these aspects. Tea cultures and their surrounding
rituals are reflective of the societies that create them because tea, like many food objects
and symbols are loaded with meaning. What allows tea to assume such functions is that
it contains, like many other rituals, a system of symbolic relations with the outside world.
In other words, tea rituals can be interpreted as a symbolic language that conveys
meanings that are only completely interpreted within the context of a specific culture.
These rituals create a common understanding of reality and renders life meaningful by
contributing to a system and social order.
The History of Tea in America
After the French and Indian War was completed, England became very upset because the cost of the war
was mostly put on them. A way to recover this money, they began putting strict tax laws on the colonies.
They put higher taxes on newspapers, tavern licenses, legal documents, marriage licenses, and docking
papers. The colonists rebelled, which caused Parliament to put an even higher tax on everything as
punishment. The final straw came after the final set of taxes was inforced. The colonists rebelled again by
openly purchasing large amounts of imported tea, which was mostly Dutch. The John Company started to
incur large debt, and eventually joined forces with the East India Company in order to recoup their losses.
However, the colonists got wind of this plan and devised a plan of their own. The colonists began boycotting
the drinking of tea until they got their rights back, and on December 16 they threw hundreds of pounds of tea
into the Boston Harbor.
Chinese emperors obviously didn't want this, and tried their best
to force distance between England and China. The Opium wars broke out because England wanted free
rights to trade opium, and by 1842 they had enough military advantages to enable them to sell opium in China
undisturbed until 1908.
Not wanting England to succeed like they were, America fought back once again. They built newer, faster
ships which outpaced English ships, and forced the English navy to update their fleet. Three gentlemen by
the names of Stephen Girard, John Jacob, and Thomas Perkins were american millionaires who started this
quest. Between the three of them they were able to fund critical loans to the American government to keep it
afloat, gain the respect of China, and break the English tea monopoly that was corrupting the tea business.
After the French and Indian War was completed, England became very upset because the cost of the war
was mostly put on them. A way to recover this money, they began putting strict tax laws on the colonies.
They put higher taxes on newspapers, tavern licenses, legal documents, marriage licenses, and docking
papers. The colonists rebelled, which caused Parliament to put an even higher tax on everything as
punishment. The final straw came after the final set of taxes was inforced. The colonists rebelled again by
openly purchasing large amounts of imported tea, which was mostly Dutch. The John Company started to
incur large debt, and eventually joined forces with the East India Company in order to recoup their losses.
However, the colonists got wind of this plan and devised a plan of their own. The colonists began boycotting
the drinking of tea until they got their rights back, and on December 16 they threw hundreds of pounds of tea
into the Boston Harbor.
Chinese emperors obviously didn't want this, and tried their best
to force distance between England and China. The Opium wars broke out because England wanted free
rights to trade opium, and by 1842 they had enough military advantages to enable them to sell opium in China
undisturbed until 1908.
Not wanting England to succeed like they were, America fought back once again. They built newer, faster
ships which outpaced English ships, and forced the English navy to update their fleet. Three gentlemen by
the names of Stephen Girard, John Jacob, and Thomas Perkins were american millionaires who started this
quest. Between the three of them they were able to fund critical loans to the American government to keep it
afloat, gain the respect of China, and break the English tea monopoly that was corrupting the tea business.
Now that America was refusing to buy tea from England, the
John Company needed to find another way to recoup the
money they were losing. So they then turned to opium because
of its addictive nature and they figured the sales would be
lifelong.
John Company needed to find another way to recoup the
money they were losing. So they then turned to opium because
of its addictive nature and they figured the sales would be
lifelong.
