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Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is made, has been all over the globe since its inception in ancient China, when it was first traded over the Silk Road and then to Canton, where the international tea trade was established. So, on International Tea , we honour the diverse tea rituals around the world that nurture tea culture around the world! No matter where you are on our planet, this cherished beverage has quickly become an essential component of your daily routine. There is no denying the profound impact that tea has had on our palates, artistic expressions, and even the trajectory of history.
For generations, people all over the globe have savoured the cultural significance of tea, which goes beyond being just a beverage. The mint tea of Morocco and the ancient Japanese tea rituals are only two examples of how tea has shaped many cultures and traditions. Let’s delve into the rich history, tea rituals, and cultural importance of tea traditions from throughout the world on International Tea Day!
Huangshan Moafeng-China
China is a wonderful location to start since it is the birthplace of tea. Tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. You may be acquainted with Oolong, Gunpowder, and Jasmine teas, but have you ever tried Huangshan Moafeng? The country's varied environment produces hundreds of distinct kinds of tea. The story goes that this particular kind of green tea originated from the grieving tears of a young woman who had just lost her fiancé on the eve of their wedding. Daoism and Chinese philosophy emphasise harmony, pleasure, balance, and fulfilment; 'Cha Dao' is the art of tea manufacturing, which is closely related to these concepts.
Matcha-Japan
Japan has treated tea with the utmost respect ever since Buddhist monks sent it as a gift. While several volumes may be written on the subject of tea's centrality to Japanese culture, there are tea rituals that stand out.
Chanoyu, also known as Cha Dao, means ‘the way of tea’. You may have picked up on the fact that it sounds a little bit like Cha Dao, the term we just used to describe Chinese tea culture. The reason for this is that it was during the Tang Dynasty when Japanese monks introduced tea to the country. Using ground-up green tea, known in Japanese as Matcha, the Japanese embraced Cha Dao in the early 1500s, eight centuries after the Great Chinese Tea Sage Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty had invented it. Learn the interesting history of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and how it continues a 500-year-old Chinese tea custom that was all the rage in Japan. Chanoyu differs in practice from Cha Dao, even though the two philosophies have many similarities. The powdered matcha green tea known as otemae is the focal point of this art form, which is practised and shown at both official (chai) and casual (chakai) events.
Chai-India
On International Tea Day, we must recognize the importance of cutting chai in our daily lives! Efforts by the British Raj (a time of colonisation) to boost tea output in their colonies to compete with China had a significant impact on Indian tea culture. After the colonial era ended, the collected black teas were seasoned with rich spices, giving rise to several world-renowned tea kinds, the most famous of which being Chai tea. Indians also love their tea with a Kashmiri kahwa twist. The flavour profile of this tea is built around a foundation of green tea leaves, which are then enhanced with almonds, spices such as cinnamon and cloves, and flower petals.
Afternoon tea-United Kingdom
Traders from China and the Netherlands brought tea to Britain, and the country soon grew enamoured with the practice. When King Charles and his wife began drinking it in the 1660s, it quickly gained popularity. Yet, it wasn't until the 1840s that the custom of having afternoon tea, which is often linked with Britain, started. This tea ritual started when the Duchess of Bedford wanted something to keep her from being too hungry to eat her notoriously late supper at 8:00 p.m. She had requested a selection of little sandwiches and pastries to accompany her tea. She started having people around for the custom at some point, and word spread fast.
Yerba Mate-Argentina
Argentina, Uruguay, and certain regions of Brazil are major consumers of yerba mate, a traditional South American tea. Produced from the foliage of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, it is traditionally enjoyed by sipping it from a mate, a hollowed-out gourd, using a bombilla, a metal straw. Some compare the bitter, stimulating tea to coffee in terms of its effects. As a sign of Argentina's national identity, it is often drunk in social situations.
Mint Tea-Morocco
Traditional mint tea from Morocco, often called Berber whisky, is a favourite beverage all across the country. A large quantity of sugar, fresh mint leaves, and green tea are steeped to make it. Desserts and pastries are common accompaniments to the tea, which is usually served in little glasses. In Morocco, mint tea is made with utmost care and served with an air of gracious hospitality, as if it were an art form. Offering mint tea to visitors is a typical way to show them you're welcoming and accommodating them.