The Seventh Cup Of Tea: Discover The Whole Story

1. The First Cup of Tea

More than four and a half thousand years ago, the mythical emperor Shennong, also known as the "Divine Farmer" or "Divine Husbandman", ruled distant China. He was a great expert in herbs and medicinal plants and according to legend, he was the first to taste tea. How did it happen? One day, the emperor was boiling a pot of water over an open fire outdoors, as he believed drinking boiled warm water was beneficial to human health. A gust of wind blew a dry leaf from a nearby unknown bush into the pot. The pleasant aroma that rose from the pot caught the emperor’s attention, and he dared to taste the drink. The flavor was delicious, and the emperor felt both refreshed and invigorated. From that time on, the custom of drinking tea became highly popular. Or was it a completely different story? Readers of Asterix and Obelix might know another tale.

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2. Second Cup of Tea

The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, produces a range of teas—green, black, white, red, and more. Originating from Southeast Asia, it’s now cultivated worldwide, with each region imparting unique qualities to the tea. From wild Tea Kings in China to specialized plantations in countries like Sri Lanka, Japan, and Kenya, tea varieties are influenced by local climates and traditions. Tea cultivation techniques vary, with regions adapting the plant to thrive in diverse conditions, from tropical heat to cooler highlands.

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3. The Secrets of Tea

In the past, people believed that black and green teas came from different types of tea plants. In reality, all types of tea differ only in the processing methods. There is just one tea plant, Camellia sinensis.

The quality of tea depends on proper harvesting and processing. Usually, the top two young leaves along with the bud, called a "tip," are picked. The youngest and highest quality leaf is labeled as Orange Pekoe (OP), the second as Pekoe (P), the third as Pekoe Souchong (PS), the fourth as Souchong (S), and the fifth as Congo (C). The last two are used for lower-quality teas.

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4. The Fourth Cup of Tea

The ritual of tea drinking has deep roots in Eastern culture, evolving over centuries to reflect diverse philosophies. In ancient China, tea preparation was detailed in the "Book of Tea," and the practice influenced all aspects of life, even kung fu. Japan later adopted and refined these traditions, where tea became central to Zen-inspired rituals, emphasizing simplicity, harmony, and respect. The Japanese tea ceremony, guided by the principles of tea master Sen no Rikyū, celebrates each gathering as a unique, unrepeatable moment of connection between host and guest.

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5. The Fifth Cup of Tea

Tea has long been valued for its medicinal properties, from traditional Chinese medicine to Renaissance and modern scientific views. In ancient China, tea was believed to benefit the liver, heart, and digestion, while Renaissance scholars in Europe saw it as energizing and effective against various ailments. Today, science highlights tea’s health benefits, such as its caffeine content, minerals, antioxidant properties, and ability to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. Visitors are invited to explore these effects and add their insights into tea's health benefits.

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6. The Sixth Cup of Tea

Tea culture spans across the globe, with each country bringing its own unique twist to the tradition. In China, tea is steeped multiple times in a small teapot, offering relaxation and connection to nature, while Japan’s refined tea ceremonies focus on matcha. Turkey brews tea in a dual-pot setup, and India’s chai blends spices and milk for a flavorful experience. Morocco enjoys sweetened green tea, and Tibet prepares a hearty, butter-infused tea for sustenance. Russia uses a samovar for strong black tea, while the UK popularized "tea at five" with milk. In Czechia, a modern tea culture thrives, with teahouses offering a diverse selection of teas.

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7. The Seventh Cup of Tea

A tea garden is a peaceful, meditative space designed to foster a unique and calming atmosphere for tea gatherings. Inspired by Japanese principles like fūryū and wabi, it emphasizes harmony with nature, simplicity, and the beauty of imperfection. Japanese tea gardens, such as the one designed by Kamila Skálová, are carefully curated with natural elements like moss, streams, and stones to create a serene environment. Key features include a stone lantern symbolizing wisdom, a tea hut with a tokonoma alcove displaying seasonal calligraphy and flowers, and a basin for purification, all enhancing the tea experience.

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8. When a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, What About a Word That is a Picture?

Chinese and Japanese characters are visually rich, often combining elements that tell a story about the concept they represent. The Chinese character for tea, for example, is composed of three parts: a plant or leaves, a person, and a tree, symbolizing how people gather tea leaves from trees to create the beloved beverage.

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9. The Four Principles of the Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony is grounded in four key principles: Wa (Harmony), Kei (Respect), Sei (Purity), and Jaku (Tranquillity). Harmony fosters a peaceful relationship between host and guest, while respect emphasizes gratitude and care in every detail. Purity ensures both physical and spiritual cleanliness throughout the ritual, and tranquillity encourages inner peace and mindfulness. Together, these principles create a serene and meaningful experience, allowing participants to connect deeply with themselves and others.

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