Sarah LaBaire
Enjoying tea is truly one of the most ancient forms of ritual still enjoyed by almost every modern culture. You do not need to believe in the mystical nature of the art nor divine any meaning to meditate over a soothing cup of hot tea. The history of tea as a beverage and ceremony is so intricatley woven in almost every world culture, as a staple of early global trading.
Almost anyone can tell you that tea was discovered in China; many are familiar with the story of Chinese emperor Shen Nung, who in 2737 BC was waiting by a tree for a servant to boil drinking water (a common method of purifying) when some leaves from the tree fell into the pot. A curious herbalist, the emperor tasted the drink and tea as we know it was born. The tree happened to be Camellia sinensis, an incredibly generous plant which produces tea tree oil in addition to the buds and leaves. In fact, variations of the tree produce different types of tea- white, yellow, green, oolong, black and pu-erh!
Though enjoyed by merchants and mercanaries at sea and abroad, it was not until 1606 that tea was first imported from a Dutch trading post on the island of Java from China to Holland. It quickly became a fashionable drink across Europe. Due to it's significance in trade, various tea ceremonies are now popular across European, Asian, and American traditions.
A well known example is Chanoyu, the elaborate Japanese tea ceremony. Elements of fine and applied arts, architecture, landscape design, and etiquette all combine to form an intricate presentation of matcha (powdered green tea). Japanese Buddhist priests who traveled to and from China brought the tea and new customs back to their homeland. Matcha became incorporated into Zen rituals, being a good source of energy to stay alert during long meditations. The principles of the tea ceremony are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility; this is all accompanied by a reverence and awareness that this particular moment will never live again.
In China, the gongfu cha ceremony isn't so formal- it's all about making a perfect cup of tea and enjoying it in just the right way. The whole point is to take the time to get the best flavor from the tea. Small clay pots and cups ensure that the drink remains fragrant and hot.
In Morocco, atay is the ceremonial practice of serving Maghrebi mint tea. This and Chai tea in India are brewed and consumed throughout the day and are symbolic of warmth and hospitality.
Tea wasn't introduced to Russia until the 17th century, and not incorporated in Turkish culture until the 20th century! However, these regions now both have unique cultures surrounding the drink, with teahouses and new types of serving vessels becoming very popular. In Russia, the samovar or "self boiler" takes center stage at most tea parties. Turkish tea is known for being quite strong and brewed in a double-tiered teapot known as a çaydanlık.
Of course the English have long been inspired by Queen Victoria and her passion for afternoon tea. In the afternoon between 3 and 5, to combat the hungries before a late dinner, black tea was served with finger sandwiches and pastries. the Queen being a fashion icon to the working and middle classes, the ritual caught on among hotels and tearooms and even in homes during the 20th century.
The next time you're trying to enjoy a hot, fragrant drink- slow down, and make your cup of tea a ritual. Meditate on gratitude as you absorb the warmth and comfort, and reflect on the nurturing and healing power of a simple tree.
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