Tea: Arriving to Japan

Emperor Saga

Tea is widely drink in East Asia. It traced its roots from the Chinese legendary god, Shennong. But the agent of spreading tea to the neighbors China were Buddhist monks. Japan, in particular, credited a Buddhist monk for the introduction of tea to the archipelago.

Tea in Han Dynasty

Emperor Gaozu of Han Dynasty

China is today’s largest producer of tea. Tea is one of most drank beverages and leveled equally with coffee. In China, a legend about the origins of tea is traced to one of its legendary Emperor Shennong. Tea, according to the legend, was a result of a coincidental falling of a dried camellia leaf to the boiling water of the Emperor. However, tea would only be exclusively to the Emperor until the age of the Han Dynasty which rule China from 206 BCE to 220 BCE. 

Divine Tea: Discovery of Tea by Shennong

Emperor Shennong

Tea is one of the oldest beverages that man invented. From England to Turkey, and to India, millions drink this scented water infused with different health benefits. In China, the biggest producer of tea, it is not just old but a gift from one of its legendary emperors, Shennong.

Afternoon Tea: Beginings in Victorian Era

Anna Maria, Duchess of Bedford

Afternoon tea did not begin until the 1800’s. It was created to combat a sinking feeling of a duchess during the afternoons due to the time between meals. It then became a favorite past time for the nobles and then for the whole country.

Royal Trend Setting: Catherine Braganza and Tea in England

Catherine of Braganza

Social media today produces countless trends, from music, to video, to challenges, and finally to food. Culinary trends such as dalgona coffee and baked sushi owed much of their buzz from Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Trends crosses boundaries faster than ever before – a hit in the Americas reaches Asia in a matter of days and even hours. But before the Information Age, trends travel slower with limited audiences. The role of influencers fell to royalties, such as the case of popularization of tea in England by Catherine of Braganza.