Have you ever stopped to think about the history of the tea you drink at breakfast or before bed? More than just a relaxing beverage, tea has a thousand-year journey filled with curiosities, traditions, and cultural meanings.
In this article, we’ll explore the origin of tea, how it spread around the world, its connection to Buddhism, and why it’s still considered a symbol of well-being and balance today.
What is considered real tea?
When we talk about tea, it’s important to understand the difference between two types:
True tea, made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which gives rise to green, black, white, and oolong teas.
So-called “herbal teas,” or infusions, made from leaves, flowers, bark, or roots of other plants, such as chamomile, fennel, and mint.
Both are popular worldwide, both for their flavor and for the health benefits of tea.
When is International Tea Day celebrated?
Since 2020, International Tea Day has been celebrated on May 21st. The date was created by the United Nations (UN) to recognize the historical, cultural, and economic importance of tea.
The celebration honors the millions of workers who participate in the production of the beverage and highlights tea’s role in building social bonds across various cultures.
What is the origin of tea?
The origin of tea dates back to ancient China, specifically to Yunnan province, during the Shang Dynasty (between 1500 BC and 1046 BC). Initially, tea was used as a medicinal drink, prepared by boiling fresh leaves in water to treat diseases and strengthen the body.
Around the 3rd century AD, tea consumption became popular in Chinese daily life. The beverage ceased to be exclusively therapeutic and became part of everyday life. It was during this period that the first records about tea cultivation, processing, and consumption appeared, around 350 AD — an important milestone in the history of the beverage.
How did tea spread around the world?
Tea culture expanded from China to other Asian countries and later to the West. Here’s how it happened:
Japan: In 800 AD, Buddhist monks brought tea seeds to Japan. The beverage soon integrated into religious and social practices, giving rise to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the 13th century.
Taiwan: In 1810, merchants from the city of Xiamen, China, introduced tea cultivation to the island of Taiwan, which would become famous for its oolong teas.
Indonesia: During Dutch rule, in 1826, tea seeds were brought from Japan to the island of Java, boosting local production.
These movements helped spread the tea tradition across various cultures, creating different forms of preparation, ceremonies, and social meanings.
The relationship between tea and Buddhism
One of the curiosities about tea is its connection to Buddhism, especially in China and Japan. Buddhist monks drank tea during long meditation sessions to stay awake and focused. This is because many teas contain caffeine, which helps maintain focus and combat sleepiness.
One of the best-known legends associates the discovery of tea with the monk Bodhidharma, also known as Daruma, founder of Zen Buddhism. The story goes that he chewed tea leaves to stay awake during his meditation — and thus the habit that crossed centuries was born.
Why does tea remain so popular?
Today, tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. In addition to its distinctive flavor and versatility, it offers various health benefits, depending on the plant used:
- Aids digestion
- Has a calming or stimulating effect
- Improves mental focus
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Whether it’s green tea to start the day with energy or a chamomile infusion to relax before sleep, this ancient beverage continues to be present in homes, offices, and cafes around the world.
How to transform tea into a daily ritual?
Now that you know the history of tea, how about bringing this tradition into your daily life?
👉 Choose herbs that match your moment — like mint after meals or lemon balm to calm the mind. 👉 Use tea preparation as a moment of pause and connection with yourself. 👉 Explore new recipes and techniques, such as iced teas, personalized blends, or spiced teas.
☕ Extra tip: Enjoy the aroma, the warmth of the cup, and the feeling of comfort that tea provides. Small moments like these help balance body and mind.
Did you enjoy learning more about tea culture? Share this post with someone who also loves this beverage and help spread its benefits and ancient traditions! 🍃
