Breakfast : Classic Blend : Decaf Blend : Earl Grey : Gold Blend : Green Label : One Cup : Red Label

Legends and Myths
Home : Articles : The History of Tea : Legends and Myths

It is believed that tea was first discovered by chance. According to ancient Chinese legend, Emperor Shen Nung was sitting down and getting ready to drink some boling water when a few tea leaves fell into his pan from an overhanging tree. Emperor Shen Nung was enquisitive and decided to sip from the pan. He found the new taste of tea both refreshing and delicious.

Tea Arrives in Japan

There is an old Japanese myth that tells of how tea first arrived in Japan. According to the legend, a meditative monk by the name of Bodhidharma became so frustrated by his tired eyes that he threw his eyelids to the ground. It is said that tea bushes grew where his eyelids lay, the leaves of which kept him refreshed for longer.

However, tea is not a native plant to Japan and the reality of how tea arrived in Japan is not as glamorous. The first tea seeds were brought back from Japan by a travelling monk called Dengyo Daishi.

Tea Discovered in India

Again, this is a story of pure chance and luck. It is said that Indian tea was first discovered by a man called Bodhidharma. According to the legend, Bodhidharma suffered from lack of sleep for a period of seven years! Becoming ever more desperate for relief he decided to chew on some leaves from a tree, only to find that his fatigue was immediately relieved.

Unbeknown to Bodhidharma, he has just discovered tea. However, there are no concrete records available that clearly depict Bodhidharma as the discoverer of tea in India. It is known that tea had not been recorded as being drunk in India before the 19th Century, which casts some doubt on this legend.

Introducing the Tea Pot!

For years tea was brewed in an open pan, just as it was when Emperor Shen Nung first discovered tea in China. It wasn't until the Ming Dynasty from 1368 - 1644, some 4000 years after it's discovery, that the tea pot was developed. The traditional open pan brewing technique underwent an evolution during this time until the shape of the current tea pot was settled on.

Bookmark This Page   Print   Tell a Friend