The history of tea began in the Pre-Classical period before 618 AD. Myth says that an emperor in ancient China named Shen Nung was the first individual to drink tea (The History of Tea 1). Shen Nung was an herbalist and scientist that required his drinking water to be boiled. This hygienic precaution was implemented by the emperor's servants by customary routine on one of the emperor's travels (The History of Tea 1). While the water was being boiled dried leaves from a nearby bush fell and produced a brown liquid. The inquisitive scientist-Emperor was curious and decided to taste the drink. He found it to be enjoyable, aromatic and refreshing and thus tea was created. Other myths say that the emporer picked up a tea leaf that had fallen on him, and after tasting its bitterness assumed that it would have medicinal capabilities and brewed it (The Art of Chinese Tea 1).
[...] A thick tea is made and one bowl is passed amongst the guests who drink from it as a symbol of bonding (The Tea Ceremony 4). The main guest speaks to the host regarding questions about the utensils and decoration of the tea room. The main guest acts as a representative of all the guests and is the only one that speaks to the host (The Tea Ceremony 4). After the main guest speaks with the host silence continues (Tea in Japan 4). [...]
[...] The tea host and hostess also learns the appreciation of the art, flowers, calligraphy and garden that complements the tea experience in order to boost a “grace, selflessness, and attentiveness to the needs of others” (The Tea Ceremony 1). The tea ceremony is performed with no more than 5 guests. There are three parts to the ceremony: the preliminary part, middle part and final part (Tea in Japan 4). The preliminary part begins with the windows of the tea room being curtained off by bamboo screens in order to darken the room. [...]
[...] Tea Ceremony Presentation Ÿ Tea consumption started in ancient China Ÿ Tea was first used for its medicinal properties, it was an aid to monks who wanted to stay awake as they meditated Ÿ Buddhist monks brought tea to Japan from China in the Tang Dynasty between 618-905 AD Ÿ In the Tang Dynasty Chinese scholar Lu Yu wrote the Ch'a Ching which means Classic”- it was the first guide on cultivating and drinking tea, and it helped encourage the drinking and knowledge of tea Ÿ In the Sung Dynasty (690-1279 AD) tea began to be used as a beverage for the wealthy and ruling elite Ÿ Eisai Myo-an, a monk and tea master planted tea seeds in Japan in 1191 AD and came up with the idea to turn the tea leaves into powder which made tea even more popular Ÿ It was during this time that Teaism the “religion of aestheticism” began Ÿ During the Ming and Ching Dynasties (1368-1911 AD) tea was made more accessible through trade with other countries beginning with the Dutch East India Company in 1606 Ÿ Tea mastre Sen no Rikyu changed the outlook of tea. [...]
[...] Eisai was the founder of Zen Buddhism and used tea for the first time for religious purposes (Tea in Japan 1). Eisai improved the taste of tea also. He taught others to grind the tea leaves into a powder and whip them with hot water. This increased the taste of tea and its popularity (Tea in Japan 1). It was during this time period that Teaism in Japan that is the “religion of aestheticism” began (Okakura 29). Kakuzo Okakura, author of The Book of Tea said that Teaism was adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence” (29). [...]
[...] The scroll of calligraphy is first admired by the guests and then replaced with a new one (The Tea Ceremony Tea in Japan 4). The middle part of the ceremony begins with the serving of a simple meal and sweets afterwards. Guests relax in the inner garden at this time. Nochiseki is the final part of the ceremony (Tea in Japan 4). The guests are called back in for the serving of the tea (The Tea Ceremony 4). At this time the scroll in the alcove is replaced by a floral arrangement. [...]
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