Tea in China: Origin, History, and Cultural Contexts

茶 chá Northern: cha Russian - chai Turkish - çay Japanese - cha Southern: te English - tea French - thé German - Tee Spanish - te

Legendary origins of tea Emperor Shennong (神农 shénnóng) discovered tea by accident in 2737 BCE

History of tea drinking Han dynasty - Tea used for medicinal purposes Tang dynasty – Tea drinking widespread, for pleasure

Classic of Tea Written around 760 CE Origin of tea Tools for making tea How tea is manufactured How to brew tea Tea wares Drinking tea Anecdotes about tea Places that produced tea

Where does tea come from? 茶树 cháshù 茶叶 chá yè

Types of tea 中国人喝各种各样的茶，比如… green tea 绿茶 white tea 白茶 black tea 红茶 oolong tea 乌龙茶 (wūlóng) floral tea 花茶

Making tea 泡茶 pàochá

Tea and health 中国人认为茶对身体好。 quench thirst aid digestion fatigue & depression mental alertness blood circulation remove toxins relieve pain in joints and limbs enhance disease resistance keep skin youthful impede tooth decay contribute to longevity

Tea drinking culture Served to guests Social events With or after meals Tea and conversation Ritual importance Gratitude or respect Offered to ancestors

Tea and art Tang dynasty painting showing court ladies playing music and drinking tea

Teapots and cups 茶杯 Qing dynasty teapot with landscapes 茶壶 cháhú

Teahouse 茶馆 cháguǎn

Tea today 中国人也喝冰茶， 珍珠奶茶，花茶等。 zhēnzhū

Tea around the world 世界各国的人都喝茶。 gè

Tea and politics

请你说说中国茶…