Chinese Tea Culture
2012年1月22日星期日
2012年1月21日星期六
茶源 THE ORIGINS OF TEA
茶源
THE ORIGINS OF TEA
THE DISCOVERY OF TEA – EARLY USES
At the dawn of creation, there must have been tea shrubs growing in the wild, waiting to be discovered.
It was said that the Emperor Shen Nong first discovered tea in China. He found the leaves edible, drinkable when brewed and even to possess healing powers. Thus began his fascinating search to identify and classify tea variety and quality. He painstakingly tasted innumerable species of herb and shrub, notified their healing properties and recorded them for posterity.
As legend has it, Shen Nong accidentally tasted a type of poisonous weed which could kill a man within ten steps. Only tea leaves could save him. But before he could reach any tea bushes, the poison took effect. He died within his seventh step. It was a great tradegy. But without his discovery TEA as is known worldwide now may not have such an illustrious journey in history down to the present time. It is not only a general beverage found in every corer of the world, but it has become part of the lifestyle of many nations. For the Chinese it is a cultural tradition practiced daily and on special ceremonial occasions. It is offered to both the dead and the living. Tea is served as a mode of respect, goodwill, acceptance, blessing and friendship. It is presented at weddings, births and burial ceremonies. In any Chinese household it is an accepted courtesy to serve tea to visitors and guests on entering the house.
As legend has it, Shen Nong accidentally tasted a type of poisonous weed which could kill a man within ten steps. Only tea leaves could save him. But before he could reach any tea bushes, the poison took effect. He died within his seventh step. It was a great tradegy. But without his discovery TEA as is known worldwide now may not have such an illustrious journey in history down to the present time. It is not only a general beverage found in every corer of the world, but it has become part of the lifestyle of many nations. For the Chinese it is a cultural tradition practiced daily and on special ceremonial occasions. It is offered to both the dead and the living. Tea is served as a mode of respect, goodwill, acceptance, blessing and friendship. It is presented at weddings, births and burial ceremonies. In any Chinese household it is an accepted courtesy to serve tea to visitors and guests on entering the house.