Surprise - it wasn't always called tea! From its beginnings in ancient China, its name has also changed to suit local cultures and tastes.
So next time you pour yourself a cup of chai or matcha, take a moment to appreciate that sip's long and fascinating history! This article looks into what tea was originally called; join us and explore!
The Name's Origin
"Tea" and "chai" are the two most common ways to refer to tea globally. It all began with a tea-like drink called cha (茶), written as "tu" in Classical Chinese during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC).Portugal was the first nation to introduce the custom of drinking tea to Europe at the start of its colonial era in the 16th Century.
The Portuguese were trading with Guangdong and Central China at the time. During this time, the Portuguese adopted the local word for tea, and they called it 'cha.'
They used this term to refer to it throughout their other colonies, including South America. Similarly, through international trade, the word "chai" made its way into Russia and the Arab nations.
The island of Taiwan was populated by Spanish and Dutch colonists.
This was when Zheng Chenggong, who was known in the West by his Hokkien name ‘Koxinga’ or ‘Coxinga’, hadn't yet captured it.
They also had colonies in places like Malaysia, the Philippines, and other countries.
The Spanish and Dutch invaders began calling the tea "te," as it was pronounced in the Minnan dialect.
And because the Netherlands dominated the trade routes with East and Southeast Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries, knowledge of this swiftly went throughout Spain, France, Germany, Italy, England, and their various colonies.
Therefore, if you color the continents on the globe in accordance with how they pronounce "tea," it will serve as a reminder of their colonial, capitalist past.
With the exception of Portugal, you can see that almost everywhere is "tea," thanks to the Netherlands and Spain.
In addition to Portugal, "chai" is also used in several former Portuguese colonies, including parts of South America and West Africa (older Russian trade routes influence the pronunciation of "chai" in Eastern European nations).
In the United States today, some individuals and organizations refer to "chai" as black tea with milk, sugar, or honey.
This anecdote reminds me how interconnected we are whenever I share 'chai' with a foreign friend.
Final Thoughts
From its roots in ancient China, where tea was called 'cha' or 'tu' to 'te' and today's delightful beverage enjoyed by billions every day — 'tea,' this beverage has had an interesting naming transformation since it originated.
Today, the names of tea flavors are many and varied. To discover your favorite 'chai' flavor, visit our store today.
Happy sipping!