Tea History: A Journey Through Space and Time

Do you know that the tea history is filled with exciting myths as well as documented facts? Let's walk with me and find out the history about tea.

Was tea a drink from heaven?

A myth said that Shen Nung was sent from heaven to rule the earth. Shen Nung loved plants and flowers and had the most complete garden in the world.
Every afternoon, Emperor Shen Nung would sit in his garden and enjoy his drink. One day, while his water was boiling on the table, a wind blew through the garden.

The leaves were flying everywhere. One tiny green leaf flew right into the emperor's boiling water. The leaves made the water turn green. Curious to what kind of taste it would give, Shen Nung took a sip. The sweetness and bitterness of the green drink refreshed him. Shen Nung noticed 2 effects from drinking tea: " It quenches the thrust AND lessens the desire for sleep".
So was tea a drink from heaven? Maybe...

Who is Daruma and why is he important?

Legend says that there was an Indian monk named Bodhidharma, often known as Daruma. In about 520 A.D, Daruma took a trip from India to China.
By the time Daruma reached Canton, he was offered a place to stay. As a Buddhist, meditation was very important to Daruma. During his stay in the temple, Daruma meditated for seven years.

However, in a weak moment, Daruma fell asleep. When he woke up, Daruma was very angry and disappointed. He cut off his eyelids and threw them on the grass. He vowed to never sleep again. From the place where his eyelids landed, a small plant with tiny green leaves grew. When people put the leaves into hot water, the drink would help them stay awake for a long time. Daruma died in 530 A.D. The monks of Zen Buddhism spread the legend that Daruma didn't die. He was seen walking on the river, trying to get home to India.
To Japanese, the legend of Daruma is an important part in their tea history.

Tea history: Did tea mean more than just a drink to Chinese?