Worldwide Invasion (Part I)

Hold your horses! Before you jump from the wagon and start screaming hysterically that we are being attacked by some unknown beings from the other dimension and begin to say your final prayers, let me clarify one thing. This article is not about alien invasions. And no, there is no need to call the cops or contact the government. I am talking about another kind of invasion. The one that has been initiated almost 5000 years ago by the Chinese. And no, China is not producing any nuclear warheads and there is no imminent World War. I am talking about some else. But equally intriguing. Something more substantial. It is the invasion of TEAS!

Before you stop reading out of disgust for disappointment of this not being about aliens, let me tell you one thing. The whole world is going nuts about teas and it is time for you to catch up too. And you should not blindly just drink one just to be "in" or satisfy social norms. It is important that you, as one of earth’s most intelligent being to take a closer look at the culture that is tea.

If you do not already know, tea is a drink made out of dried, shredded tea leaves from one or more tea shrubs. They come from the same plant source- the tea plant Camellia sinensis.

And note this: Tea is not just some medicinal, healthful drink. It has become very much a part of different cultures of people all around the world, meshed into so many different wonderful ceremonies and rituals that become not only for formal or special occasions but as well as integrated in everyday lives.

But what is this tea culture I am talking about?

Tea culture means the way of tea. It describes how teas are made and drunk. It can also mean the manner people interact with tea. It can also be the aesthetics encompassing tea drinking. The beauty is in the details itself. It is rather broad and diversified if you come to think of it. It can also mean a form of lifestyle, a certain custom in drinking and using teas. And others may define it as form of social process - of learning about teas, planting and cultivating them and using and consuming tea. It is also the appreciation and understanding of teas.

With that in mind, let us examine as how this phenomenon came to be

The start of the beginning...

Location: Ancient China

According to a popular Chinese legend, tea was invented completely by accident. It was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong in the year 2723 B.C. He was known not only as an emperor but a scholar, herbalist, creative scientist and the patron of the arts as well. He believed that drinking water that is boiled will is hygienic and will lead to good health. And so, by his insistence and passing out a decree, he ordered all of his subjects to first boil their water before drinking it. So one day, on a hot, summer day, he and his associates decided to rest a bit while on their way to a distant region. As customary, his servants began to boil his water for him to quench his thirst. And as fate would have it, dried leaves from a nearby plant, the camellia sinensis tea plant, accidently fell into the cup with boiling water. The emperor found the aroma pleasing and so began consuming it. Thus, begin the story of the tea.

Since that fateful day, the world was never the same. From its humble birth, the status of tea continued to grow more and more each day like a plague. During those times drinking tea was a privilege, a gift, and a birthright. For only the prestige, rich and powerful were able to take a sip of this miraculous drink. And then it spread like wildfire. Thanks to the Chinese monks and philosophers who carried along with them, cradling it like their own child. Their treasure. For who would not want to acquire the famed elixir of life in the form of a natural drink? Before they knew it, every scholar, artist, writer and poet began chanting the name TEA.

Its influence did not stop there. Tea became a legend. It was used as a form of tribute. It also became the object for trade and currency. Now it has expanded its horizons. From China, it slowly made its way to Asia. It slowly eased in to every folk's everyday routines. Tea became not just a drink but a way of life. It is no longer JUST a drink. It is THE drink. It becomes a feeling - to be coveted; to be consumed; to be loved.

Are you ready to experience all of this? To be a part of something majestic and equally satisfying? If you are brace yourself. For you are about to enter the TEA ZONE.

Drinking teas are commonly done at social occasions. And many even go to the extent of inventing elaborate and grandiose formal ceremonies just to cater for such events. The westerns call it tea party, usually done in the afternoons. For the easterners however, they call it tea ceremonies. And each country has a different and unique way of performing such ceremonies.

East Side:

Asia:

In Japan, tea ceremonies are known to be formal, complex and tranquil. It is probably the most popular. Although some of these special occasions are private and very formal, others are also open to join in. They are also held as fund-raising and charity events. Tea is practiced not only for ceremonies but in everyday lives of the Japanese. Everyone, regardless of the different walks of life, drink tea as a form of social activity. It emphasizes on respect, harmony, purity and at times meditative.

In China, tea customs had been formed during the Tang Dynasty. It comprises in three social circles: the common people, monastery monks, and the loyal family. It is also worth mentioning that the common people's tea drinking is basically ignored. But for them it signifies pleasure and utility. The Chinese tea ceremony is done for many reasons. It could be a way for asking forgiveness, or simply just creating goodwill between guests during weddings and family reunions.

In Korea, its ceremony is an ancient one that has been revered and practiced for nearly over a thousand years and still counting. Its ceremony was from the inspiration of the tea ceremonies of China and also by Japan. The heart of the Korean tea ceremony is for the enjoyment of the tea. And it should be promoted in a formal yet natural setting where everyone can relax and enjoy drinking tea.

Coming up...

Worldwide Invasion (Part II) in next article...