Cultivating Calm With The Cultures of Tea

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, with nearly as many ways to prepare and drink it as there are cultures across the globe. But it’s more than just a beverage—it has played an influential role in the cultures of those who grow, harvest and consume it.

The culture of tea is a rich and complex one that spans thousands of years, with each country developing their own way of preparing, drinking, and celebrating their distinct teas. From sugary Turkish Rize to salty Tibetan butter tea, the many different types of tea are a part of the cultural identity of these nations and reflect their unique histories.

Tea has a long and complicated history in China, beginning around 2700 BCE. Emperor Shen Nung supposedly discovered the beverage by accident when wind blew a few leaves into the water he was boiling for medicinal purposes. The brew was not only delicious, but it also had relaxing properties, and it soon became the drink of choice for Chinese elites, with a variety of teas developed to cater to their specific preferences.

As tea grew in popularity and availability, a distinct culture of tea emerged. Tea was used as a social stimulant, and as an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a moment of peace, away from the tumult of daily life. The art of preparing and serving tea became an important cultural expression, with books on tea written by Buddhist monks describing the various kinds of tea, their preparation and benefits. Tea was also a medium for artists to create elaborate works of calligraphy and painting in the foam of the cup.

Tea became a popular export for the Chinese, reaching areas of Asia such as Japan and Korea. By the Tang dynasty, tea was becoming a more common everyday beverage in China as well. A Chinese monk named Lu Yu (733-804) authored the Cha Ching or Classic of Tea treatise that described the types of tea, its benefits, and the proper preparation and drinking method. He imbued this teaching with a spiritual aesthetic that reflected Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian religious ideas.

With the opening of trading routes, tea travelled further and quickly began to gain popularity in other parts of the world. In the East, it gained a foothold in India and Sri Lanka where tea cultivation is still an important industry. In the West, tea was introduced by the British in the 16th century and became a part of the formal afternoon tea tradition.

Afternoon tea continues to be a cultural staple in countries such as England, Ireland and Scotland that have long had high-society customs. In addition, tea has become a daily ritual in many parts of the United States and Canada, which do not have pre-existing tea customs. In these newer areas, tea has taken on a more casual form that is often enjoyed in the comfort of home and at work. This is most likely due to the popularity of herbal tea, which can be brewed in a variety of ways.