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The document explores the etymology and cultural significance of tea, tracing its history from its discovery in China around 2737 BCE to its introduction in Europe in the 17th century. It discusses the linguistic variations of the word 'tea' in different languages and highlights its ceremonial and social roles, particularly in Japanese tea ceremonies and British afternoon tea traditions. Additionally, the document touches on historical health beliefs associated with tea consumption.

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Lesly Morales
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3 views3 pages

Document 5

The document explores the etymology and cultural significance of tea, tracing its history from its discovery in China around 2737 BCE to its introduction in Europe in the 17th century. It discusses the linguistic variations of the word 'tea' in different languages and highlights its ceremonial and social roles, particularly in Japanese tea ceremonies and British afternoon tea traditions. Additionally, the document touches on historical health beliefs associated with tea consumption.

Uploaded by

Lesly Morales
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesly Morales

Doc. Steve Gores

Writing for College and Beyond

9/27/2024

Etymology Draft 1

The word tea refers to both a popular drink and a rich cultural phenomenon that spreads

throughout the world. Its history is intertwined with trade, social customs, and various health

beliefs, making it an important part of many societies. This overview delves into the etymology,

historical context, cultural significance, varieties, modern relevance, linguistic variations, and

related terminology surrounding tea. The leaves of the tea plant, generally dried and prepared to

prepare the drink, were first imported to Europe in the 17th century and are now widely used in

various parts of the world. According to Meyer, Konversations-Lexikon, the first mention of it in

Europe is due to the Portuguese in 1559 (under the name cha); chia is mentioned in Maffei's

Historia Indica in 1588. Under the name te, thee, it was imported by the Dutch from Bantam

(where it was brought by Chinese traders from Amoy) in 1610–55; first known in Paris in 1635,

in Russia (via Tartary) 1638, in England around 1650.

The word tea originates from the Chinese character In Mandarin, it is pronounced "chá," while

in the Hokkien dialect, it is pronounced "te."

The Hokkien pronunciation influenced its adoption in English and other languages, while the

Mandarin pronunciation affected terms in Spanish (té) and Portuguese (chá). Ancient Discovery:

Tea is believed to have been discovered in China around 2737 BCE, attributed to Emperor Shen

Nong, who is said to have accidentally brewed it when leaves fell into his boiling water.

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By the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE), tea drinking became a widespread practice, with tea houses

emerging during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE).

1796

For this and our breakfast, tea, supper and bed, we paid five shillings currency, for they make no

separate charges, nor do they abate of their charges, were you to dine out every day.

1941

Afterwards we went to a Lyons tea-shop, at which he [sc. Hardy] was a little alarmed, being used
only to an A.B.C.
E. Blunden, Thomas Hardy

1821
I never feel so spry as when I've got a good raft of tea aboard of me.
J. Howison, Sketches of Upper Canada

1990
A tea caddy containing above 230 ounces of gold could be seen at the White House.
Connecticut Hist. Society

1963
He abominated tea. He was a black coffee drinker.
A. S. Byatt, Possession

1955
Perhaps the very abruptness of my refusal of tea caused some disquiet.
G. Greene, Quiet American

1885
The abuse of stimulants, in the form of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee.
Dr. Ranney in Harper's Magazine

Ceremonial Uses: Many cultures have established tea ceremonies, emphasizing rituals and
aesthetics. The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) is a prominent example, highlighting
mindfulness and respect.
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Social Context: Tea often symbolizes hospitality and is central to social gatherings, such as the
British tradition of afternoon tea.
Health Beliefs: Historically, tea has been associated with various health benefits, believed to aid
digestion and provide antioxidants.

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