Cloudy Valley, Formosa tea

Origins and Early Development of Tea

1. Mythological Period:
   • Shennong Tasting Hundreds of Herbs: According to legend, Shennong (circa 2737 BCE) discovered tea’s detoxifying properties, introducing it as a medicinal plant.
   • Shennong Bencaojing: This ancient text highlights the medicinal value of tea, emphasizing its ability to clear heat, detoxify, and stimulate the mind.
2. Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties (21st century BCE – 220 CE):
   • Tea was used primarily as a medicinal or boiled drink but was not widely consumed.
   • The earliest written record of tea appears in the Book of Songs (Shijing) under the term “荼,” believed to be an ancient word for tea.

---

The Rise of Tea as a Beverage

1. Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties (220–589 CE):
   • Tea consumption gained popularity, particularly among scholars.
   • Religious circles (Buddhism and Taoism) promoted tea for its ability to aid meditation and foster clarity of mind, further spreading tea culture.
2. Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–907 CE):
   • The Tang Dynasty marked the golden age of tea culture.
   • Chajing (The Classic of Tea): Written by Lu Yu (circa 760 CE), this book became the first tea monograph in the world, laying the foundation for tea production, consumption, and culture.
   • Tea became an integral part of social occasions, enjoyed by the imperial court, scholars, and commoners alike.

---

The Maturity and Diversification of Tea Culture

1. Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE):
   • Tea culture peaked with the rise of the “whisked tea” method, emphasizing the artistry of tea preparation.
   • Tea became intertwined with art forms such as teaware design, tea paintings, and poetry.
   • Tribute Tea System: The state rigorously managed the production and supply of high-quality teas.
2. Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 CE):
   • Under Mongol influence, milk tea became popular.
   • Tea was further integrated into the lifestyles of frontier ethnic groups, serving as a crucial medium of cultural exchange.

---

Tea’s Popularization and Global Influence

1. Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912 CE):
   • The Ming Dynasty introduced loose-leaf tea, replacing the compressed tea cakes of the Tang and Song Dynasties, simplifying tea preparation.
   • During the Qing Dynasty, tea became a daily habit across all social classes, with distinct regional tea customs emerging (e.g., Gongfu tea, gaiwan tea).
   • Tea trade flourished, with Chinese tea exported to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, catalyzing the global spread of tea culture.
2. Modern Era (1912 – Present):
   • Tea varieties have diversified, with green, black, oolong, dark, white, and yellow teas gaining global popularity.
   • Chinese tea arts and ceremonies have been widely promoted domestically and internationally, making tea a significant medium for cultural exchange.