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Tea throughout History in the World
The origins of tea dates back to 2737 BC China. There are many rumors about the discovery of the drink, but the most probable origin relates to a story about Chinese emperor Shen Nung. The story details that he was sitting under an unassuming tree and watched a couple of leaves fall in to make this caffeinated drink.
Around the 9th century, references in Arab trade documents referred to the process of boiling tea leaves. Traders, missionaries and explorers traveling back and forth between Europe and the Orient became exposed to the budding tea traditions of China and Japan.
Later, Marco Polo (1254-1324) mentioned his discovery of tea in his travel writings about the Orient. The popularity of tea spread quickly to cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and London. Tea was expensive at the time, so it was only consumed by some of the royalty and aristocracy.
With the development of transportation and trade, tea began to be grown commercially on a large scale and became an important commodity on a global scale. The globalization of tea has also promoted the development of tea culture around the world. Today, tea is second only to water as the world's most popular beverage.
Tea throughout History in India
By the early 1700s, the British East India Company had established itself as the dominant trading power in India and would continue to monopolize the tea trade with China. Trading posts sprang up in India, including hubs in Bombay, Bengal and Madras.
Around 1823, Robert Bruce, a major in the British Army, stumbled upon indigenous tea trees growing in the northeastern Indian state of Assam.
Other Cultures and Tea
Japanese tea cermonies
Japanese tea cermonies
Tea came over to Japan in the 8th century. With this it was seen as a luxury good reserved for higher-status people who would throw tea parties to show off their Tea sets and different knowledge about tea. Along with this, a more spiritual side of tea was taken into consideration and therefore based more on simplicity.
Tea ceremonies from back then are mostly unchanged. Usually, formal yet modest clothing is worn. There is usually a sweet that is eaten before tasting the tea. It is a ceremony that brings peace and respect.
British High Tea Ceremonies
British High Tea Ceremonies
As mentioned in history aristocrats would often celebrate high tea ceremonies during the afternoon to stay full for the late night dinner parties.
"During the 1880’s upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea..." (Historic UK)
The foods would be similar to the ones shown tea cakes, biscuits, and of course, tea shipped from India.
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