HISTORY • HERITAGE
INDIA: On the origins of TEA
The discovery of tea, Camellia sinensis, was ever a story of many dimensions, and the telling of the tale depended on the leaf’s use as medicine, food, or drink.
TIMELINE: A story of tea
The story of how tea was first discovered and then spread to all of the major countries on Earth is a fascinating tale that includes romance, politics, religion, intrigue, heroics, deceit, greed, war and innovation. Tea: but probe deeper into this sweet-sounding word – follow its roots to the Chinese, where the word is pronounced…
*JAPAN: On the origins of TEA
Throughout history, tea, Camellia sinensis, was intimately related to deities, demi gods, and mortals. In Japan, the monastic use of tea as an aid to meditation and was celebrated by linking the plant and its origins to Bodhidharma, Daruma 達摩.
CHINA: On the origins of TEA
Tea was discovered accidentally by emperor Shennung, 神農氏, approximately 3000 years before Christ.