Tea in Chinese Culture
By Rossi
Once upon a time, a legendary emperor called Shén nóng 神农 ruled lands of present day China. During one of his trips to a foreign place he stopped to rest and requested a cup of boiled water. While the cup was served, a leaf from a wild bush fell inside the cup and created a refreshing taste, which Shén nóng enjoyed. As legend has it, this was the origin of chá 茶 (tea) in China.
Over the years, tea was used for medicine and as a refreshment, as well as currency to barter. Gradually, tea drinking became customary and spread throughout China.
Initially, it was used during ceremonial gatherings for the wealthy and the members of the royal court. As the years passed, the ceremonial aspect for tea drinking became more accessible for the commoners. Chá guǎn 茶馆 (Tea houses) emerged and developed into places for socializing and entertainment.
If you find yourself in Beijing and would like to visit a tea house, don’t miss the famous Lǎo shě chá guǎn 老 舍茶馆 (Lao She Tea House). It provides an antique Beijing-style environment, spectacular entertainment, and ceremonial serving of various tea and local specialties.
Although tea originated in China, after it was popularized in the old world, different cultures adapted tea drinking and created customs of their own.
Green Tea in Japan
By Sakura
Green tea is an essential drink for Japanese people. The best and most authentic way to prepare green tea involves brewing loose tea leaves in a 急須 kyuusu (teapot). However, tea bags and bottled green tea have emerged as popular formulas for our lazier green tea drinkers.
You can find more than a dozen different types of bottled green tea at most convenience stores. These are usually organized by ‘origin’ (e.g. Kyoto or Shizuoka) or ‘strength’. In terms of strength, you can choose from an array of brews ranging from light to extra dark. These convenience store green teas are also seasonal. In summer, people love to have ice cold, bottled, green tea. Yum!
In winter, the same bottles are made available in a special heated showcase so that you can enjoy hot tea on-the-go. Whether home-brewed or mass-marketed, there is one thing we never do. We never sweeten green tea. No way!
