History of Tea

The origins of the word "Tea"

The modern word "tea", derives from the words Tchai, Cha and Tay (ancient Chinese terms).
In China and Portugal, tea is known by "Cha", in Holland by "Thee" and Tibet by " Ja".

Emperor Shen Nung

Through out the centuries, this drink gained increased popularity as an everyday beverage, but its roots go far back in time into at least 5.000 years ago.
Its commonly believed, that in 2737 B.C. the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung (Divine Healer) discovered tea, while boiling hot water to drink.
Leaves from a nearby Camellia fell on the water, and the emperor drank the mix, feeling fitter, invigorated and declaring it a wonderful drink.
Short after, tea became a medicinal brew for ancient Chinese. They strongly believed that by drinking tea, people would remain healthier and fitter longer, enjoying a long life.

Tea in China and India

By 6818-906 B.C. and during the Tang Dynasty, tea became China's national drink.
In 519 A.D. the great Indian master Bodhidharma (founder of the Zen school of Buddhism), visited China and apparently discovered tea.
According to an Indian legend, in the fifth year of a seven year sleepless contemplation of Buddha, master Bodhidharma began to feel drowsy. He then plucked leaves from a nearby bush and chewed them. After a few minutes, his tiredness was gone and he became more alert.
There is still an ancient Buddhist tradition of drinking tea when in presence of an image of the master Bodhidharma.

Likewise, Buddhist monks believed that tea could be of great assistance while meditating, allowing monks to stay alert longer. So, tea was easily introduced in monasteries all over China, Japan, Korea and Tibet.

Hence, ancient Asian writings about tea, often mentioned its restorative properties and medicinal aid to heal many body ailments.

And in 780 A.C, the first Chinese book on tea was written by Lu Yu and named "Ch'a Ching".

Tea in Japan

Finally, in Japan the first book about tea was written by a Buddhist monk in 1211 A.D. Its known by: "The Book of Tea Sanitation, or Maintaining Health by Drinking Tea".