Origins of Tea

The name of "Cha" existed from long time ago, even before the civilization in China. The tea tree was also called cha. In order to get full merit of tea, people developed the method of processing tea to make it easy to drink. Tea is also deeply entitled with Buddhism especially with Zen philosophy. (Origins of tea tree) Tea tree were wildly grown in south part of China, especially in Yunnan. Also, in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myammer, and east of India "Assam". From the recent research, it is proved that tea had wildly grown in those area much long ago before people started to use it for drinking. (Origins of tea culture) Tea tree spread from its home of South part of China, Yunnan, to Guijo, Henang, then Hebei where tea made a first contact with Han ethnic people who discovered tea drinking habit. (Tea meets Zen philosophy) The strong connection between tea and Buddhism may be something to do with Dharma legend. Buddhism and tea have combined in a unique way and stimulate each others, but we are not sure how they are started to connected. It is believed that they are somehow entwined in Hubei or Hunan in China.

(Satoru Matsushita)