A simple infusion of leaves in hot water deceptively remains the essence of the world’s most culturally audio dynamic elixir. The endless and ceaseless variation of cultures, traditions, customs, rituals, ceremonies and tastes bear testament to tea’s capacity to absorb and adapt. This blog explores the tea culture of China, Japan, Britain, Morocco and South Africa and traces how the minute particulars of these cultures influence the products and philosophy of O2H TEA.
Being ubiquitous, tea is ingrained in the societies around the world, and at O2H TEA we try to build on these tea cultures, while crafting unique blends that showcase our appreciation of the world’s best ingredients, quality, creativity and cultural traditions.
Chinese Tea Culture
Historical Background and Origins
Tea originated in China some 4,000 years ago, as legend would have it, when tea leaves blew into the emperor Shennong’s boiling water in 2737 BC causing him to stir and drink the mixture. Tea spread from the medicinal herb into the fabric of Chinese social and cultural life. (Refer: Momentslog)
The Gongfu Tea Ceremony
The Gongfu tea ceremony is a traditional Chinese ritual which originated in the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. In this detailed ritual, special techniques are used for tea brewing as well as tea serving. Moreover, the quality of tea leaves, water and teaware are very significant in the Gongfu ceremony. (Refer: Chinese Tea World)
All these elements highlight the aim of creating a cup of tea which has a perfect infusion and balance of the taste, fragrance and texture.
Influence on O2H TEA
Our products such as the Pu-erh Grey at O2H TEA pay a small homage to Chinese tea culture using traditional flavours, yet adding a twist to present a tea with a modern touch. The creation of the Pu-erh Grey drink itself reflects our vision of starting from ‘the old’ to create ‘the new’ as it is a result of an idea derived from both Chinese (Pu-erh) and from British (Grey) tea
Japanese Tea Culture
Historical Background and Origins
Introduced into Japan from China around the 9th century, tea is now an intricately woven aspect of life; ‘the Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu, is born from Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism signifies mindfulness, simplicity, and respect’. (Refer: The TeaCupany)
The Japanese Tea Ceremony
The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a spiritual practice that focuses on the ceremony of preparing and drinking powdered green tea. O2H TEA does not produce powdered green tea, but much of what we value in our product design and branding draws inspiration from the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony. According to the principles of the Japanese tea ceremony, all things are considered, and everything has its proper place.
Influence on O2H TEA
The beautiful minimalist packaging and the peaceful experience of drinking our tea products echo the tenets of Zen, found most in the Japanese tea ceremony.
British Tea Culture
Historical Background and Origins
Tea came to Britain in the 17th century and has since become an important part of everyday life in Britain. Afternoon tea – the practice of taking tea at four o’clock, credited to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century – epitomises the social and cultural role of tea in Britain today. (The TeaCupany)
Afternoon Tea Tradition
Afternoon tea is a time to socialise using different teas, sandwiches, scones and pastries. This event highlights the community and ease of tea drinking. Afternoon Tea, The TeaCupany.
Influence on O2H TEA
Our elevated version of a classic English Earl Grey captures the sophistication and elegance of British tea culture by updating classics with contemporary flavours via O2H TEA.
Moroccan Tea Culture
Historical Background and Origins
In Morocco, tea drinking is central to hospitality – and Moroccan tea, a mix of green tea and fresh mint, is served to guests as an act of welcome and respect. Tea Blend Guide.
Moroccan Mint Tea Ceremony
Tea is infused with sugar and fresh mint, and the tea ritual often includes pouring it from a height so it forms a frothy head – a nationwide demonstration of hospitality and socialising (Tea Blend Guide).
Influence on O2H TEA
Our Peppermint Lemon Green Tea, inspired by Moroccan mint tea. O2H TEA creates products that are culturally aware and culturally distinctive and that appeal to consumers who are both traditional and curious.
South African Tea Culture
Historical Background and Origins
Rooibos tea, made without caffeine from the leaves of the plant Aspalathus linearis, is South Africa’s most well-known herbal tea: famously consumed there for millennia by indigenous peoples and now enjoyed around the globe for its health benefits.
Rooibos Tea Tradition
Rooibos tea is often enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk and honey, yet it has a naturally sweet and nutty flavour so it works well in hot or cold preparations too (Tea Blend Guide).
Influence on O2H TEA
South African tea tradition. Our Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free tea, perfect for those who enjoy a soothing, healthy natural tea. It's O2H TEA's quality, natural ingredients in Rooibos that makes it an amazing calmming tea - the South African tea experience.
Experiencing tea cultures from around the world helps us understand the traditions and aromas that made today’s tea culture possible. At O2H TEA, every product in our portfolio reflects a global heritage of tea-drinking that combines tradition with innovation across markets. Whether it’s the precision of the Chinese Gongfu ceremony, the mindfulness of Japanese tea drinking, the elegance of British tea for afternoon, the hospitality of Moroccan mint tea, or the health-giving benefits of South African rooibos tea, each culture has made a contribution to how we experience tea today. Visit www.o2htea.com to try O2H TEA today.
With a desire to be the connection between heritage and a modern lifestyle, O2H TEA draws inspiration from those traditional schools of thought to convey the concept of tea culture being both historical and future-oriented.
