Tea is mainly perceived as the preferred beverage of the British. However, these little dry leaves have a long and intricate history finding its roots in ancient Eastern cultures.  

There are a few different stories and theories that revolve around the historical beginning of tea. We have tried to pick the best ones for you to read!

As per the Chinese mythology, the history of tea originated in 2737 BC with the Emperor Shen Nong (aka the Father of Chinese medicine), whom is known to have taught the Chinese people the practices of agriculture and pharmacology. One day, the Emperor called for one of his servants to boil water in the garden to purify it. While the servant executed their task, a dead leaf from an overhanging wild tea bush fell into the water. It went unnoticed and the servant presented the beverage to Shen Nong who drank it. Struck by the pure and refreshing taste of the accidental infusion, he decided to research the plant further and later discovered the plant’s medicinal properties.

Another less pleasant tale takes us to India. It is said that Bodhidharma, a legendary Buddhist monk and son of a great Indian King, travelled across the border to preach Buddhism and the practice of meditation to China. Failing to make a favourable impression in Southern China and to prove some Zen principles, he pledged to meditate speechless for 9 years. According to the legend, he eventually fell asleep and upon awaking, Bodhidharma was so upset about his failure that he cut off his eyelids and threw them onto the ground. It is believed that from his eyelids, grew the first tea plant and thereafter tea would provide young monks a stimulant to help them stay awake during their practice of meditation.

Whatever the legend, tracing back the true origins of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis is found difficult. It is highly likely to have originated in the regions around Southern China, Northern India and Tibet.

Tea had become China’s first choice in terms of beverage by the end of the 3^rd century AD. They started trading it in the middle east around the 8^th century before finally reaching the European and British soils in the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

Coffee remained the preferred drink in English houses predominantly drunk by men. The tea fashion caught on with women who perceived it a refined infusion. During the 19^th century, tea drinking became an important role in social life and as its popularity grew, new tea traditions began to spread across Western cultures.  

Today, tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. It is a drink to be enjoyed alone or in good company; to have a part of your morning routine or to save it for an elegant ceremony.