Cloudy Valley, Formosa tea

As a medium, tea has deeply integrated with culture throughout different eras in China and around the world. It is akin to a harmonious rhyme, even permeating the spiritual dimensions of various cultures. Taking Chinese tea culture as an example:

Different Aspects of Tea Culture

1. Confucianism: Advocates that tea enhances etiquette and self-cultivation.
2. Taoism: Emphasizes the natural and simplistic qualities of tea, aligning with the philosophy of “governing by doing nothing unnatural."
3. Buddhism: Believes tea aids in meditation and mindfulness, promoting the concept of “Tea and Zen as one."
4. Poetry: Numerous works combine tea-drinking culture or praise tea, such as:
   • Tang Dynasty – Lu Tong’s “Seven Bowls of Tea":
     “The first bowl moistens my throat and lips,
     The second bowl dispels my loneliness.
     The third bowl searches my dried entrails,
     Finding the words of five thousand scrolls…
     The seventh bowl—I can take no more!
     I only feel a light breeze arising beneath my arms."
     This poem vividly describes the uplifting and refreshing experience of tea.
   • Tang Dynasty – Bai Juyi’s “Boiling Mountain Spring Tea":
     “Sitting to sip the clear, cool water,
     Watching as the fine dust boils away.
     No way to send a bowl,
     To share with a tea-loving friend."
     This poem conveys the deep connection between tea and friendship, as well as the leisurely life of tea-drinking amidst serene landscapes.
   • Song Dynasty – Su Shi’s “Drawing Water and Brewing Tea":
     “Fresh water needs lively fire to brew,
     Drawn from the fishing stone for its clarity.
     One cup washes away the sorrows of the ages,
     Immersed in moonlight after waking from sleep."
     Su Shi regarded tea-making as an art, expressing his meticulous approach to tea and the transcendental peace it brought.
   • Yuan Dynasty – Zhao Mengfu’s “Tea Poem":
     “On a cold night, tea replaces wine for a guest,
     The bamboo stove boils as the fire begins to glow.
     Such an ordinary cup is rare to find,
     Half filled with clear joy, half with emptiness."
     This poem compares tea to wine, illustrating the serenity and pleasure tea brings.
   • Ming Dynasty – Tang Yin’s “Tea Tasting Painting":
     “Fragrance splits from dew on flowers,
     Water drawn from the spring among rocks.
     Sitting before a purple clay pot,
     Feels like conversing with sages."
     Tang Yin likened tea tasting to engaging with sages, reflecting the spiritual essence of tea culture.

Impact and Significance

• Art and Philosophy: Tea integrates with poetry, calligraphy, music, and painting, becoming a symbol of spiritual life.
• Health and Wellness: Tea is regarded as a natural, healthy beverage with numerous benefits.
• Social Function: Tea houses served as vital venues for cultural exchange and social interaction in ancient China.

The history of Chinese tea and culture bears witness to tea’s evolution from a medicinal plant to a global beverage, becoming a crucial emblem of Chinese civilization and fostering the diversified development of tea cultures worldwide.