The Journey of Tea
Tea bricks served as a practical currency in China, paving the way for the beverage's spread throughout East Asia. By the 7th century, tea reached Japan, initially enjoyed by Buddhist monks before evolving into a cultural staple among the upper class. The introduction of tea competitions and elaborate ceremonies, particularly influenced by Sen, transformed tea drinking into an art form deeply intertwined with diplomacy and society. Despite its allure, tea remained largely confined to East Asia until the 9th century, when it began to capture the attention of Arab traders and travelers like Marco Polo.In this clip
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Everything Everywhere Daily
The History of Tea (Encore)
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