The Rich History of Tea: From Ancient Traditions to Today’s Culture

The Rich History of Tea: From Ancient Traditions to Today’s Culture

钱多福

I met my American friend June by chance on Facebook. Our shared love for tea helped us cross language and cultural barriers. After many warm conversations, our authentic Fenghuang (Phoenix Mountain) Dancong tea made its way across the ocean.

When June finally sipped its natural floral fragrance, He also discovered the charm, history, and traditions of Tea culture.

Origins of Tea

Tea begins with its legendary origins in China, where it is believed to have been discovered by Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BCE, and its early introduction in Japan by Buddhist monks in the 9th century.

The Chinese word for tea was likely derived from non-Sinitic languages of the botanical homeland of the tea plant.

Tea plants are native to East Asia, with the probable center of origin near the source of the Irrawaddy River.The tea plant is considered to be within a small fan-shaped area between China, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Chinese small-leaf tea may have originated in southern China, while Assam tea may have originated in western Yunnan.

Legends from China and India

In the rich tapestry of tea’s history, legends from China and India play a pivotal role.

According to Chinese lore, the discovery of tea dates back to 2737 B.C.E., credited to the legendary Emperor Shen Nong. As the story goes, the Emperor was boiling water when leaves from a Camellia sinensis tree drifted into his pot. Intrigued by the resulting infusion, he discovered tea’s refreshing and medicinal properties, marking the beginning of tea drinking.
In India, legend says Prince Bodhi-Dharma brought tea seeds from China, first valued for their healing properties. Over time, tea became a beloved part of Indian life. Later, Japanese monk Saichō carried tea seeds home from China, planting the roots of what would grow into the Japanese tea ceremony.
These legends highlight the exotic beginnings of tea and its journey across Asia, where it evolved from a medicinal brew to a cherished cultural tradition.

History of Tea

From the ancient Silk Road to modern globalization, tea has always played an important role in connecting different cultures and nations.

Rise of the tea

Tea consumption became widespread in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907).

A government-imposed tea tax further evidences the beverage’s growing popularity. During the rise of tea consumption in England, coffee houses were popular gathering places, primarily frequented by men before women began to embrace tea more widely.

Promotion of Tea

Tea spread from Eastern countries to Western countries.

Tea was introduced to Japan by a Japanese Buddhist monk, Saichō, in the 9th century.The most popular method of preparing tea involved grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder.The traditional Japanese tea ceremony (“Chanoyu”) was popularized by the Zen monk Eisai.Matcha is prepared with bamboo whisks and served in hand-crafted bowls.

Traders, missionaries, and explorers returning from China and Japan brought tales of tea to Europe. Marco Polo even mentioned it in his travel writings. But tea didn’t truly arrive in the West until 1610, when the Dutch East India Company imported it to Europe.
In England, Thomas Garraway opened the first tea shop in 1657. Tea slowly gained popularity, especially among women who saw it as a refined drink.
When Charles II married Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza—an avid tea lover—tea time became fashionable at court. The British East India Company soon established its first tea base in Macao, marking the start of Britain’s deep connection with tea.

The Rise of Tea in Europe

Tea was first enjoyed in China around 2737 BC, later spreading to Japan and Europe
The British East India Company played a key role in bringing tea to Britain, but its high price fueled smuggling and adulteration.

When the British government took direct control of India, it actively promoted tea cultivation, highlighting its value in colonial trade. Taxes were eventually reduced, making tea affordable and popular among the masses.

Tea became a fashionable drink across Europe, especially in the Netherlands and Germany. The British also introduced tea planting to India and Sri Lanka, turning it into a major export industry.

Tea Innovations

From Tea Bags to Iced Tea

Tea bags were originally handmade from muslin or silk, with patents appearing as early as 1903. Thomas Sullivan is credited with the first commercial tea bag in 1907, though it gained popularity only after World War II.

Iced tea debuted at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The pyramid tea bag, introduced in 1996, aimed to satisfy connoisseurs but faced environmental criticism. Instant tea, an alternative to brewed tea, was developed in the 1930s.

Spread of Tea

Tea culture, as an important part of Chinese traditional culture, has crossed national borders and spread to every corner of the world.

Globally, the tea drinking methods and cultural significance of tea are unique, but without exception, tea has become a part of daily life,becoming a modern tea drinking

Important the tea trade

Tea is mainly grown in Asia and Africa, with smaller areas in South America and around the Black and Caspian Seas.

The four biggest tea-producing countries are China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.

Global production of tea was 29.8 million tonnes in 2022, led by China with 49% and India with 20%.

Tea is divided into categories based on how it is processed.

Tea is a significant export industry, with many commercial organisations involved in the world tea trade. The British East India Company, one of the most influential commercial organisations the world has ever seen, played a crucial role in the tea trade, impacting both British society and international commerce.

Tea Drinking Culture

Tea gradually becomes popular in various countries

As people become more focused on healthy eating, tea has become a popular alternative beverage. Green tea and herbal teas, in particular, have become popular for their antioxidant properties and health benefits. Many Americans choose to drink tea instead of coffee at a coffee house because tea contains less caffeine and has a relaxing and stress-relieving effect.

  • In the United States, tea is more than a drink—it’s part of social life. Tea parties, tastings, and cultural events are now common at gatherings, family dinners, and in offices. More Americans are discovering that tea carries not only rich flavor but also a deep history and philosophy.
  • In the UK, afternoon tea has become an elegant social ritual;
  • in Japan, the tea ceremony carries a deep Zen and etiquette;
  • in India, strong masala tea has become a unique landscape in the streets and alleys.

Whether in the East or the West, tea is not just a drink, but also a symbol of culture, a way of sharing and communication.

The types of tea began to become more diverse

Tea has been part of daily life in Britain for centuries, earning its place as the nation’s favorite drink. The East India Company brought the first shipment to Europe in 1606, beginning a trade that shaped global commerce.

Among the most famous varieties is “Assam tea” from India, prized for its robust, malty flavor and its role in British tea culture. The trade flourished along routes like the Silk Road, linking East and West.

In the early 20th century, the invention of **tea bags** revolutionized brewing, making it easier for people to enjoy tea at home. Today, tea bags are found in homes worldwide.

“Chinese tea”is celebrated for its delicate flavor and deep history. From Japan’s traditional tea ceremony—honoring nature and simplicity—to Britain’s tea time as a symbol of hospitality, tea has become a cherished part of cultures across the globe.
Chinese six major teas
The tea industry continues to thrive, with Camellia sinensis cultivated worldwide. Whether you enjoy the elegance of a traditional tea ceremony or the convenience of a tea bag, choosing high-quality leaves is key to a satisfying tea experience.

In conclusion:Tea has a rich history spanning centuries and continents. From its origins in China to everyday life in Britain, tea has shaped cultures and societies across the globe. The tea trade has long been a vital part of global commerce, with leaves traveling along ancient trade routes.

Today, tea remains a beloved beverage, enjoyed in many forms—loose leaf, brewed, or in tea bags. From green tea and black tea  to herbal blends, there’s a tea for everyone.

The spread of tea culture

Tea is enjoyed at social events like tea parties, and ceremonies have developed in cultures such as China and Japan.

In the UK, 63% of people drink tea daily, often offering it to guests upon arrival. 
In Ireland, tea is brewed longer with milk or sugar for a stronger taste.

Most tea consumed outside East Asia comes from large plantations in India and Sri Lanka.India leads in total tea consumption, with 750 grams per person per year, while Turkey tops per capita consumption at 2.5 kilograms per person annually.

The spread of tea culture has fostered cultural exchange and integration. Drinking tea shares not only its aroma but also stories and ideas. As a global language, tea bridges people from different backgrounds, allowing its culture to take root worldwide and reveal its lasting charm.

I and my friend are all tea culture disseminators, and everyone can be one of them.

After learning about the history and culture of tea, June Webb published a book, "Chaozhou Tea Trees" in which he mentioned Fenghuang（Phoenix） Dancong tea "every sip of tea makes people feel as if they have entered a quiet tea garden, with a fresh aroma and endless aftertaste". This book is not only a book about tea, but also a disseminator of Chinese tea culture. Through his words, tea is not only a taste enjoyment, but also a bridge for cultural exchange.

Chaozhou Tea Trees

Fenghuang (Phoenix) Dancong Tea

Fenghuang（Phoenix） Dancong tea is indeed a very unique chinese tea with strong local characteristics.It comes from Fenghuang Mountain in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, China, and is famous for its unique aroma and taste.Fenghaung(Phoenix) Dancong tea has a variety of flavor types such as "floral fragrance", "fruity fragrance" or "honey fragrance", and these flavor changes are closely related to the origin, variety and production process.

Some famous Fenghuang（phoenix） Dancong teas

As a tea garden dedicated to providing high-quality single-bush tea, we always adhere to the traditional tea-making process, plant tea trees and growing tea to select good tea leaves, and strive to convey the unique charm of Phoenix Mountain in every piece of tea.

If you also want to experience the beauty of this tea in person, please visit our Dofo Tea to buy it and bring this culture from China home to taste.

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