The Legend of Tea’s Discovery: Emperor Shennong’s Accidental Brew
We may never know the true origins of tea, but legends abound, offering unique stories of its discovery. According to a popular legend, in 2737 BCE, Emperor Shennong, a divine herbalist, was boiling water with twigs from a wild Camellia tree. As a gust of wind blew through the forest, some leaves were carried into his cauldron. The leaves infused the water, creating an unexpected brew. A pleasant fragrance filled the air, and curious, Shennong took a sip. To his delight, it was refreshing, and he drank some more. This was the first ever cup of tea—and Shennong, the first tea drinker. He called the brew ‘ch’a’, meaning “to check or investigate,” reflecting his deep connection to nature’s mysteries. Later, in 200 BCE, an emperor of the Han Dynasty formalized the symbol for tea, using the character 荼, representing the balance between humans and nature.
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