Shennong (神农), whose name means Divine Farmer, is considered the ancient Chinese Father of Agriculture. He is often honored with the discovery and introduction of tea — though there is not much definitive evidence to prove so.
According to legend, on one fall afternoon, Shennong decided to take a rest under a Camellia tree. While boiling some water to drink, dried leaves from the tree floated down into and infused with the pot of boiling water, creating the first pot of tea. Intrigued by its fragrance, Shennong took a sip and found it refreshing.
Throughout Chinese history, tea has been utilized for a number of uses and came in greater variations. For example, during the Sui Dynasty (581-618), tea was used for its medicinal qualities. In the fourth and fifth centuries, rice, salt, spices, ginger, and orange peel, among other ingredients, were added to tea. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), tea drinking became a cultural practice and a drink enjoyed by all social classes.
Interestingly, some forms of tea, such as whipped powdered tea that became fashionable during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), have disappeared completely from Chinese culture throughout their time periods.
Today, there are many tea practices that are still used. For example, during informal meals, one can signify thanks for having tea poured for him/her through light taps on the table. This custom is most common in southern Chinese, where their meals are often accompanied by many servings of tea. For more formal tea ceremonies, head nodding or explicit thank yous are more common.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_tea_culture
http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/Chinese_tea/2011-07/15/content_22999489.htm
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-tea/history.htm
Wow, what an interesting urban legend about the origin of tea! I didn’t know that tea was used as a medicine during the Sui Dynasty. I also didn’t know that tea drinking became a cultural practice in the Tang Dynasty. Tea is truly an excellent drink that has spread around the world. Great article!
Wow, such a great article! I never knew why tea became so popular in China before now! I wonder if tea still has cultural significance in helping to treat sickness as a home-remedy. Also, are there any flavors/brews of tea that have specific uses in Chinese tea culture. Very informative! And I love the sources.
Wow, this is nice to learn about Chinese tea culture. I never knew that Shennong (神农) means Divine Farmer. Being Chinese, I have seen tea utilized for a number of uses. I will be sure to share this story. Amazing job!
Interesting article! I didn’t know anything about the history of China’s tea before. However, I have heard of the practice of tapping the table as thanks for having tea poured. It’s always very interesting to learn the legends behind popular Chinese foods and drinks. It’s unfortunate that some forms of tea disappeared completely from Chinese culture.
Very fascinating! I did not know that tea is so engraved in Chinese culture. I document it interesting that the first teas were from dried leaves. I would never expect that something so widely used was from an accident. Overall, well written.
Interesting article! I never knew why tea became so popular in China before now! I wonder if tea in China they still you it as a type of medicine Like soup in Chinese culture. Also, are there any flavors/brews of tea that have specific uses in Chinese tea culture. Very good article.
Now that’s another great article! I think it means that tea has a legendary background. Tea is still used fro medicinal qualities today, except that they use different recipes. We should probably bring back whipped powder tea back someday. Drinking tea also invloves very unusual manners.
That is a very cool article. I never knew tea was created so long ago I really love tea. My favorite tea is green tea. But i also like a lot of other teas.
I never New about tea before this article. Tea sounds really juicy. One day I will try tea. On that day I will be very happy. I can’t wait till then.
This article is very informative. I didn’t know Shennong is considered the ancient Chinese father of agriculture. I didn’t know he was honored with the discovery of tea. I didn’t know that tea was used as a medicine. I didn’t know that they added rice to tea.
This is a very interesting article! I never knew that Shennong was considered the Chinese father of agriculture. Also, the theory as to how he discovered tree is quite interesting as well. Tea is a common drink in today’s world enjoyed by many, and we take it for granted. I was surprised to learn that it was a cultural pride that was enjoyed by the Tang Dynasty. It just shows that we take much things for granted in this world; we don’t thank our past ancestors enough for all the contributions they have made to influence our modern world.
I didn’t know that tea was such an important cuisine for the Chinese. I usually hear that people drink coffee and only English people drink tea.Its actually fascinating how diverse China cuisine is.
Cool article! I never thought that there would be a single person who discovered tea. When I went to China, I went to this tea shop and they had so many teas. Now, I have a bunch of tea at home but we don’t drink it often. In China I really liked trying the different teas like oolong and jasmine. I didn’t know that tea was once used for medicine.
This is such an interesting article!! I never knew how tea was actually created. I know that tea is very popular in China but I wasn’t sure who specifically actually created it. Tea is savored by so many and we often take it for granted and we don’t take the time to think about the origin of it. Thanks for sharing!
I like how this article described many Chinese Teas. I like tea and I find the Chinese teas really interesting. I knew that tea was used for medicine, but it’s nice that you incorporated this fact. Very short and sweet to the point. Good Job and continue writing more articles
It was interesting how Chinese people would grind the leaves or plants and mix it with hot water to make tea. I also didn’t know that China was the creator/ maker of tea.
Awesome article! I never really knew about the story and origin behind tea in China. It is surprising to me that there were so many variations for tea. I also didn’t know that tea was used for medicine.
Great Article! I never knew how tea was actually created. I never knew why tea became so popular in China before now! I wonder if tea still has cultural significance in helping to treat sickness as a home-remedy. Also, are there any flavors/brews of tea that have specific uses in Chinese tea culture. Very informative!
Wow, great article Andy! I learned so much about the origin of Chinese tea after reading this! For example, I learned that Shennong is known as the ancient Chinese Father of Agriculture. I also learned that rice, salt, spices, ginger, orange peel, and other ingredients, were added to tea. Thank you for sharing!
Great article! I hadn’t known that camelia blossoms and Shennong began the tradition of tea. I wonder what whipped powdered tea tastes like! It would be interesting to revive the teas that are no longer popular to see if people would like them now. My family also taps the table when we silently ask the person closest to the teapot to pour our tea. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, amazing article! I learned at ton about Chinese tea after reading this! I learned that Shennong is known as the ancient Chinese Father of Agriculture. I also learned that rice, salt, spices, ginger,, were added to tea. Keep Making stellar Articles!
Very fascinating! I did not know that tea is so engraved in Chinese culture. I document it interesting that the first teas were from dried leaves. I would never expect that something so widely used was from an accident. Overall, well written.
My mom has a tea obsession! After writing this comment, I am going to share this article with her. Although I am familiar with the tea itself, I am quite uninformed on the history and culture of tea. The picture attached to this article looks great. Thanks for sharing!
This is an interesting article! I never knew the origins of tea in China. I never knew the different varieties of tea or its medicinal uses. I thought whipped powdered tea is a very unique form. Thanks for sharing!