The Importance of Tea in Asia: A Mirror of the Past and Present
Second only to water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world, surpassing even coffee! Although tea is often perceived only as “boiled leaf water,” to many Asian cultures, tea has served as a symbol of their rich histories and cultures, evolving into something more precious and important than a simple beverage. In fact, certain Asian nations have even developed distinct “tea cultures,” each with customs and perspectives specific to their national values and ancestries.
In China, this tea culture initially came into prominence centuries ago due to the supposed medicinal properties and health benefits of tea, thought to aid in both nutritional and digestive issues. Over time, tea drinking eventually evolved into something more elevated and ritualistic, becoming associated with tradition and ceremony. Interestingly, at the same time tea drinking began appealing to the higher class due to the elaborate ceremony of the ritual, the growing popularity of tea also allowed for tea to become more accessible, tea culture spreading to all socioeconomic classes. Eventually, tea drinking merged with Chinese culture, and tea drinking evolved into a practice that became commonplace and habitual, a staple of everyday life.
In Korea, tea culture originated in the Three Kingdoms period, used in ceremonies meant to honor dead relatives. Mainly during the Goryeo Dynasty, Korean tea culture became closely tied with Buddhist principles, used in Buddhist, national, and royal ceremonies as a way to show respect or honor. Like it did in China, Korean tea culture was popular in the upper echelon of society, specifically in royalty, before it trickled down to the masses, who absorbed tea culture into common etiquette, and would frequently greet their guests by offering them tea. In Korea, tea is usually floral and fruity, with ingredients chosen based on both flavor and health benefits. Several examples of popular Korean teas are ssanghwacha (a medicinal, dark brown tea made from herbs), yujacha (a sweet and citrusy tea made by mixing a sweet jam into water), and classic green tea. For Korea, tea provides a connection to the past, along with comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
Unlike the tea cultures of Korea and China, India’s modern tea culture has had a relatively recent rise in popularity. However, this doesn’t mean that India has a shallow history with tea. In fact, tea was something that held its popularity among the indigenous groups of India, mainly the northern Indian Assamese, some of whom would smoke tea leaves in addition to drinking them! Interestingly, when India eventually became a large tea producer, it was British imperialism in the 1800s that sparked it. China had cut off Britain from their tea exportation due to political conflicts, and the British, who had grown an affinity for tea, turned to India, whose own indigenous form of tea had caught their attention. Britain, as well as other opportunistic Europeans and Indians, quickly moved in and the number of tea plantations grew exponentially, much to the consternation of the Assamese, who clearly expressed their frustrations and were largely ignored. India’s modern tea culture eventually began in the early 1900s, during an economic depression. Tea merchants, who suddenly found themselves with far more tea than their usual European customers could buy, decided to turn to the middle and lower Indian classes, who purchased the tea. These classes created their own tea practices, such as boiling tea leaves directly in milk or water instead of the British way: waiting for the leaves to steep. It is largely believed that India’s modern staple tea, masala chai, originated around this time. In the decades to follow, India suffered many political and social conflicts but maintained that although the early practices of tea-growing were unethical, tea had become tied to the Indian identity, unifying the nation. Masala chai and other popular Indian teas, such as Darjeeling and Assamtea, have served as a reminder of India’s rich history, immortalizing the struggles and triumphs of their nation’s past.
From China’s ancient royal ceremonies to India’s creative brewing methods, Asian interpretations of tea have become symbols of their values and practices. Although a simple beverage, tea tells the stories of these Asian nations, reflecting the intricacies of their histories and hopes. Preserving history, tea is a vessel by which Asian cultures honor their heritages.
Informational Sources:
https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/HonoraryReporters/view?articleId=192409
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ssanghwa-tang
https://www.tripsavvy.com/history-of-tea-in-asia-1458468
https://www.seriouseats.com/indian-tea-history-5221096
