The Origin of Chinese Tea
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Time to read 4 min
What is tea? The simplest explanation is two words: tree leaves! Of course, not just any tree leaves. In the vast land of China, there are countless types of trees, but one type stands out—the tea tree. It is the leaves of this tea tree that, through various processes, become a drink known as tea.
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Tea Cultivation Across China
More than half of China's provinces have tea trees. For thousands of years, with wisdom and hard work, people have processed the leaves of these tea trees through countless and varied techniques, resulting in a wide range of Chinese teas.
As early as a few thousand years ago, scholars started to summarize the properties of tea and its processing methods, forming a body of Chinese tea knowledge. For example, during the Tang Dynasty, Lu Yu’s “The Classic of Tea” was widely passed down through generations.
With the advancement of society, the development of productivity, and the improvement in people’s living standards, Chinese tea research has rapidly developed.
Gradually, Chinese tea from various regions formed its own distinct features and culture. These regional characteristics are like small rivers and tributaries that come together to form a vast and profound sea—the Chinese tea culture!
Tea and Chinese Literati
In the boundless world of Chinese tea culture, the literati and poets of all dynasties played a significant role!
Tea is the essence of plants, while humans are the spirits of heaven and earth. The encounter between man and tea is the beginning of a good relationship in life.
Here, I will use three tea poems by three poets of the Tang Dynasty to express this good relationship of “tea and me as one”:
1. The Pure Nature of Tea
Wei Yingwu wrote: "Tea's pure nature cannot be sullied, as drinking it washes away the dust of the mundane" (from "Joy of Tea in the Garden").
While savoring tea, we should know that regardless of whether it is brewed with spring water, river water, well water, or lake water, the flavor of Chinese tea may change, but its essence remains pure.
Whether it is enjoyed by dignitaries or commoners, the taste of tea does not change, nor does its nature. We should relate the nature of tea to human nature so that we are not burdened by worldly troubles.
Regardless of life’s circumstances, we can always maintain a noble, carefree, and distant-minded approach to life!
2. The Hardships of Tea and Life
Lu Tong , in his famous poem "Seven Bowls of Tea," wrote: "If only I could relieve the suffering of the millions upon millions of people, who are struggling on the cliffs."
We should often remember that each Chinese tea leaf begins its life facing wind, frost, rain, and snow. When picked, it bends and twists. After being processed, it endures intense heat and water.
Its life is not easy, picking it is not easy, and processing it is not easy either! From one cup to another, we can appreciate the life of tea and always remember the hardships of those who have endured countless trials to bring it out from deep within the mountains.
3. Tea and the Natural Essence of Life
Jiao Ran, a Chinese tea monk from the Tang Dynasty, wrote: "Who understands that the true essence of tea lies only in Danchou?" (from "Song of Tea Drinking to Governor Cui Shi").
Living a life accompanied by tea, one can forget about gains and losses and live like a resident in Danchou, a place of eternal brightness where the heart is always illuminated!
"A friend with a tea-like flavor, a friend with a tea-like character," one can aspire to be a person who rises above worldly concerns and maintains the natural character of life.
"Tea is more than a drink; it's a journey through nature, history, and culture, where every cup tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and the simple beauty of life."
Tea as a Cultural and Economic Staple
With the development of the tea industry and the accumulation of tea culture, Chinese tea gradually seeped into people's daily lives, becoming an essential part of life.
As tea culture evolved, Chinese tea found its way into high society, becoming deeply integrated into social etiquette, interpersonal relationships, medicine, and healing.
The International Spread of Chinese Tea
Tea was one of China's earliest international exports. As early as the Western Han Dynasty, tea was introduced to Japan, and commercial distribution began during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (473 AD).
Turkish traders exchanged Chinese tea for horses along the northwest borders, pioneering the export of Chinese tea. From the Tang Dynasty onwards, large quantities of tea were exported overseas.
By the Song Dynasty, tea had become an important item of China’s foreign trade. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, the southeastern coast became a distribution center for Chinese tea exports.
The Export Peak of Chinese Tea
During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese teas like Oolong and Black tea were exported through the Silk Road, the Maritime Silk Road, and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, reaching the peak of China’s tea exports!
From the 17th to 19th centuries, Wuyi tea was highly sought after in Western countries. Merchants from Russia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Britain, France, and the United States continuously shipped Wuyi tea worldwide, facilitating economic and cultural exchanges between East and West.
Black tea is one prominent example. Wuyi black tea was mainly exported during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is recorded that as early as 610 AD, Wuyi black tea began to be shipped to Europe by the Dutch.
Other Chinese teas, such as Yingde black tea from Guangdong, Yihong from Hubei, Ninghong from Jiangxi, Dianhong from Yunnan, and Tanyang Gongfu tea from Fujian, also gained significant popularity and became major export teas, shaping important tea regions.
Conclusion
Chinese Tea is not just a drink but a deep-rooted cultural experience that reflects the wisdom, history, and artistry of China.
From its humble beginnings as leaves on a tree to the sophisticated rituals and flavors we know today, tea has evolved and shaped countless lives and traditions.
Each sip of tea carries with it the essence of nature, the spirit of craftsmanship, and the warmth of shared moments. As we honor the legacy of Chinese tea, let us embrace its rich heritage and the simple joys it brings to our daily lives.
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