The flourishing of tea art during the Tang Dynasty

The economic, social and cultural upsurge, as well as the lively relations with foreign countries of that time, created fertile ground for the spread of the tea ceremony, turning it into an integral part of the life of all strata of society.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907) marked a golden age in Chinese history, not only marked by cultural and economic prosperity, but also by the elevation of the tea ceremony to the level of a refined art.

Spread of tea

During this period, tea , previously available only to the elite, became a national drink. Tea plantations spread throughout the country, and tea shops opened even in the most remote corners. The tea trade flourished, stimulating the economy and establishing connections between regions.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when art and poetry reached their peak, tea drinking became not just a mundane ritual but also an elevated act closely linked to spiritual development. Intellectuals of the time, who had previously drawn inspiration from wine, turned to tea as a more accessible and, as it turned out, more productive alternative.

The official ban on alcohol, caused by the shortage of grain, stimulated the production of tea. This drink, although much cheaper, had no less of a stimulating effect, helping poets to create.

Tea as a stimulant

In addition to quenching thirst, tea was prized for its stimulating effect during the Tang Dynasty. Intellectuals of the time, including poets and philosophers, drank tea instead of alcohol, drawing inspiration from it and increasing productivity.

As tea won the hearts of more and more people, tea shops began to open all over the country. Even in the central plain provinces of Shandong, Hunan and Shanxi, where tea production was not particularly developed, the trade in this aromatic drink began to flourish.

Tea not only quenched thirst and provided aesthetic pleasure, but also became an important commodity that brought income to the Tang Dynasty treasury. It also served as a tool for establishing relations with neighboring ethnic groups, with whom barter was often carried out: tea for horses.

The Influence of Buddhism on Tea

The spread of Buddhism also played an important role in the popularization of tea. Monks who practiced long meditations needed support, and tea became an indispensable source of energy for them.

The rise of Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty also played a role in the popularization of tea. Monks who practiced long hours of meditation needed support, especially in the evening hours when they were not supposed to eat. The Lingyan Monastery on Mount Tai was the first to allow monks to drink tea during their evening prayers. The practice quickly spread throughout the country, becoming commonplace.

Tea gradually turned into an offering to Buddha and became an indispensable treat for high-ranking guests of the monasteries. The need for tea encouraged monks to grow it, which led to the appearance of high-quality tea plantations in temples. Favorable conditions - mountain climate, plenty of sun and rain - made the tea grown in the monasteries truly unique.

The Taoists, who also lived in the mountains and led a solitary life, did not remain aloof from the tea tradition. As skilled gardeners, they succeeded in growing tea and understood its subtleties.

Thus, tea in the Tang Dynasty became not just a drink, but also a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, inspiration and refinement. It united poets, monks and Taoists, promoting their creativity and self-knowledge.

Tea ceremony

The tea ceremony in the Tang Dynasty turned into an exquisite ritual, reflecting the sophistication and high status of a person. There were strict rules for brewing tea, choosing utensils and conducting a tea ceremony. Guests in those days were also treated to tea, and not offering it was considered the height of impoliteness. Thus, the tea ceremony in the Tang Dynasty became not just a way to quench one's thirst, but also an elevated ritual, reflecting sophistication and high status in society.

At that time, it was believed that tea had ten main properties:

1. Strengthens health.
2. Neutralizes the effects of alcohol.
3. Satisfies hunger.
4. Refreshing in the heat.
5. Drives away drowsiness.
6. Cleanses the spirit.
7. Improves digestion.
8. Removes toxins.
9. Prolongs life.
10. Promotes self-knowledge.

The Meaning and Heritage of Tea

Tea in the Tang Dynasty was not just a drink, but also a symbol of culture, philosophy and spiritual development. It united people of different social classes, stimulated creativity and promoted self-improvement.

The traditions of the tea ceremony, which originated in the Tang Dynasty, had a huge influence on the subsequent history of China and other East Asian countries. Tea remains an integral part of Chinese culture today, and the tea ceremony is one of the most exquisite and refined rituals in the world.

In conclusion

The Tang Dynasty was a golden age not only for Chinese history in general, but also for the art of tea. During this period, tea turned from an elite drink into a popular drink, and the tea ceremony rose to the level of a refined ritual reflecting the philosophy and culture of the time.

The popularization of tea stimulated its production and trade, which in turn became one of the factors of the empire's economic prosperity. Tea plantations spread throughout the country, and tea shops opened even in the most remote corners.

The influence of Buddhism also played an important role in the popularization of tea. Monks who practiced long meditations valued its invigorating effect and used tea as a stimulant.

The tea ceremony in the Tang Dynasty turned into an exquisite performance, where every step, from brewing tea to choosing the utensils, was strictly regulated. This art reflected the sophistication and high status of a person, as well as his desire for spiritual harmony.

The ten main properties attributed to tea at that time - health promotion, alcohol neutralization, hunger relief, refreshment, mental clarity, spiritual purification, digestion improvement, elimination of toxins, life extension and self-knowledge - emphasized not only its practical value but also its impact on all areas of human life.

The tea tradition that began in the Tang Dynasty left a deep mark on the history of China and other East Asian countries. Tea remains an integral part of Chinese culture today, and the tea ceremony is one of the most exquisite and refined rituals in the world.

The Tang Dynasty's legacy of tea art is not just a set of rules and rituals, but also a symbol of the pursuit of harmony, beauty and spiritual perfection.