At first, tea was mainly used for medicinal purposes, but eventually, the knowledge of this delicious beverage spread around the globe and people began drinking it simply because it tastes good, not only because of the health benefits. Today, it's the second most popular drink in the world, after water.
That special tree on that fateful day 4 752 years ago was a Camellia sinensis, the leaves of which are used to make all teas, such as the very famous Ceylon tea, also known as black tea, English tea or, simply, 'normal' tea in a South African home where rooibos and Ceylon are served alongside each other.
Speaking of which, did you know that rooibos 'tea' – my personal favourite - isn't technically tea? In order to be classified as 'tea', a drink needs to be made using the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and rooibos is made from – you guessed it - the rooibos plant. The more correct term would be 'herbal infusion', but honestly, the word 'tea' is just easier to use.
There are many different types of teas – over 1 500 kinds! - and herbal infusions, such as Ceylon, oolong, green tea, earl grey, and floral teas like jasmine. You can even make tea out of dried marijuana leaves. Talk about high tea.
Speaking of 'high tea', tea has become an important part of the British culture as well, even though they've only been drinking it for the last few centuries. Tea has become a symbol of calm, something to be enjoyed while taking a moment to relax in the craziness of our daily lives. This is evident in the various tea ceremonies of, for example, China, Japan, Korea and Russia. These tea ceremonies are dedicated entirely to relaxation and enjoyment of this amazing beverage.
The author Douglas Adams said: “A cup of tea would restore my normality.” Another author, C.S. Lewis, once said: “You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
I agree; there is nothing better than a cup of tea and a good book, particularly on a rainy day. C.S. Lewis even included a tea party in his children's novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party is probably the most famous fictional tea party ever.
A cup of tea also goes very well with a favourite TV show. The British show, Doctor Who, has many references to tea, the most prominent one being when the main character of the show, the Doctor, is practically dying and is instantly revived by a cup of tea.
Tea may seem like a very small, simple thing in such a big world, but sometimes it's the small things in life that make life just that much better. This hot beverage truly is... just my cup of tea.