The history of tea - Shunan Teng 

China: *invents tea* India: nice Russia: nice Turkey: nice Greece: nice France: nice Italy: nice Britain:*GIVE ME THE PLANT*

Britain: "We will pay you in drugs" China: "We don't want your drugs!" Britain: "Did you say war!!"

A moment of silence for those brittish people who thinks they invented tea.

ASIAN COUNTRIES INVENT SOMETHING: BRITISH: ITS FREE REAL ESTATE!

China: *boils water* Britain: yes, and... China: *puts in leaf* Britain: I WILL TAKE ALL OF YOUR STOCK.

The British: Hippity hoppity your tea is now my property.

I love how it starts out happy talking about how tea became a popular drink then suddenly takes a dark turn into the opium wars. That escalated quickly.

me: *has to catch up 9 lectures, 3 due assignments and basically the last 5 years of my life* RU-vid: here, watch the history of tea 🍵 me: okay 😌

And that’s the tea sis.

Shennong: (Accidentally poisoned himself 72 times) Life: "Am I a Joke to You?"

People: Why are you drinking tea at 2:30AM in the morning? Me: I am paying a tribute to my ancestors

Though this story of how tea was discovered is pretty good, i've read different versions of it in my history books. One version states that once there was an emperor in china around 6th BCE, who was unable to attend to his subjects one day. He felt uneasy, tired and unusually sleepy. So he told his servant to go get his doctor since he thought he might be sick. When the doctor came and was told of the situation, he opened his bag and took out a small purse. From it he took out a number of leaves, and told his majesty to chew them. When the emperor did so, he declared that they were bitter, and just some common leaves which wouldn't be able to cure him. The doctor argued with him, persuading him to try again, but the emperor thought the doctor was just fooling him. So he threatened that if he didn't go away from his town by tomorrow, he would cut off his head. Sighing, the doctor turned back. Just as he was about to leave the emperor's room, His servants came in carrying his hot bath. In fell some leaves from the doctor's purse to the warm water. In a matter of a few seconds, the brown colour mixed with the water, and just like that, invented the world's first tea. When the emperor saw this, he said that if he was not able to chew the tea leaves then perhaps he'll be able to drink them. He ordered the servants to bring a cup of hot water, and then put some tea leaves from the doctor's purse. He reached the cup to his lips, drank, and then broke into a wide grin. He exclaimed it was the best drink he had ever tasted! He said to the doctor that he was very clever, and would reward him instead of cutting his head. Then he told his messengers to go and inform all the agriculturists and farmers to grow this plant and serve this drink to him every morning. Since then, tea has grown in all parts of china Hope you liked my version of the story! And hey, how about a cup of tea ☕?

Asian cultures are so ancient, complicated and beautiful. Their variable senses of art and culinary skills is amazing.

China: Do You Want Some Water? U.K: Nah. China: What If We Put A Leaf In It? U.K: *PERHAPS*

Britain: hey can we have some tea Chains: sure, but you gotta pay for it Britain: sure, here’s some silver China: cool Britain: wait nvm, here, have some drugs

the chinese: **grows tea trees** Britain: Hippity hoppity, your now my property

Now that's a movie i would watch. An English man stealing tea from china in a covert mission.

There was another story that a Chinese emperor was boiling a pot of water under a tree. Leaves from said tree fell into the water and before he could remove them they began to brew. He decided to try the water and loved it, so he decided to plant more of the tree, which turned out to be a tea plant.

What I find most interesting about this is how the Chinese exported not only tea but the culture around drinking tea as well. Herbal decoctions had been known about and used by people all around the world since time immemorial, some of which we still drink today (chamomile for instance). But these were considered medicinal and not consumed as regularly as other beverages. It's amazing how absolutely prolific tea drinking became in the rest of the world because of this.

As a tea lover, it was interesting to hear tea history from this perspective. I have listened to many other versions as well, and actually, we may never know which was the real one. However, the most important thing is that many cultures have rituals for drinking tea and traditional tea-making recipes.

How the hell do you accidentally poison yourself 72 times

So he was out picking and eating things at random and poisoned himself? Yeah that's Uncle Iroh...

Can't describe how touched I was when hearing the very amazing "Shennong" articulation.

I love practicing _Gōng Fū Chá_ (功夫茶, Chinese tea discipline) at home. There are still disk-shaped cakes (called _bǐngs_ ,餅) of tea, mainly of Pǔ'ěr Tea (普洱茶), which has been used in Tibet and Central Asia as currency for selling livestock, mainly horses.

China : *invents tea* Greece : thanks Japan : thanks Turkey : thanks Britain : I’m about end this man’s whole career.

Uncle Iroh: Euch! This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice. Zuko: Uncle, that's what all tea is. Uncle Iroh: How could a member of my own family say something so horrible!

I heard another story of the tea. There was this Chinese Emperor having a walk around his yard. It was cold so his servants gave him a cup with hot water to drink and keep his hands warm. Then, it started to get windy and the Emperor got cold, so he took a sip of his warm water, but it tasted delicious, yet strange. He never drank something as tasty! He looked down and found out his water wasn't clear anymore, and that inside the cup there were little leaves, darkening his drink. Excited, he went inside his palace and asked his servants what those leaves were, and they told him that it was tea, a common weed that grows (and his servants can't get rid of) inside his yard. The Emperor ordered two servants to bring more leaves into his palace and asked another one to warm some water. He taught his servants to make tea, and since then, that was his favourite drink. He shared his tea with his family and friends, and it quickly became the traditional drink from China.

I miss Uncle Iroh and his tea😭

I lived in China for 3 years and I love their tea! It's so much different and better than any other tea, even Japanese tea couldn't replace the rich flavors of Chinese tea I got used to, it's certainly addictive!

Ted ed only makes freaking awesome videos

This lady's pronunciation is great! It's so satisfying to listen to.

Coffee: I make people go nuts if they don’t have me Tea: I’m make people chill and calm

moral of the story, brits stole tea from china

As a Chinese, I was thrilled when the narrator pronounced "Shen nong" so perfectly 😂😂😂

“Shen long accidentally poisoned himself” okay, that’s bad “72 times” W O T

i'm Chinese and there was this British guy or smthing in my class and he was like, British tea is so amazing, and i was like do u even know who invented your amazing tea?

As a Turkish, we really drink tea almost each breakfast,lunch and dinner 😊

3:34 Long ago, the four nations lived in harmony, then everything changed when the fire nation attacked.

Tea is one of my favorite drinks. I love knowing things like this.

The way she's described Tea, I am craving for a Tea Now 💗 along with that Chinese ambient music 🕯❤☕

So the history of mankind is influenced by tea. Opium war, East india tea company, British india colonisation... Didn't realize tea was this much strong!

leaf: *falls into pot of hot water* all of China: *H M M M M*

This is not a video we want but we NEED!

Grateful that tea exists. My favorite beverage!

"Expanding colonial influence" Is a very nice way to view a relentless invasion. :o)

Turkish people are the biggest tea consumer in the world. Thank you China ❤️❤️

so informative!!! in such short time

wow, this was a lesson in our school at my 8th grade but never presented as interesting as this. Finally understood it

china: invents Gunpowder world: *Yoink* china: Invents Tea world: *Yoink

0:12 So, that guy was poisoned by plants, and so he decided to cure himself by eating another plant. *_Makes sense_*

I originally thought that different teas were made from different types of tea plants, so it’s really just one plant with different preparations and added items? That’s very intriguing!

In southern india we drink tea every evening ,and rice with curry for lunch and dinner , really the tea has become the part of our lifes

Who is watching while drinking tea?

Chinese people : *Makes tea* British people : *Its free real estate*

Tea is a nectar of life in any place, at any time and in any manner.

Being a student of tea science in Siliguri,India I will say thank you for this video it will help in my studies

First things, first. Shout out to Uncle Iroh and his love of tea.

if you are dying, chew leaves

I enjoyed that thank you.

_General Iroh wants to know your location_

The part that how shennong discovered tea is a bit different as we learned in China. Our version of story is he was exhausted yet teasing the medicine that he wanted some hot water to drink. While he was boiling the water the leaves of tea has drooped into the water he boiled. What’s-how he found the tea has amazing taste.

Tea > Coffee Fite me.

抹茶Omg you pronounced it so well On point

Loved the story, the lesson, and the voice of Pen-Pen Chen's voice too :) (I didn't even know that tea was behind the story of why Hong Kong was under British rule for almost a century). Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

Thanks for making such a meaningful video. Tea is very popular in my country - Vietnam. People draw a pot of tea to invite guest who visit their houses. Traditionally, in the evening after dinner, people spend time together talking and relaxing with a pot of tea. My grandparents still like doing this activity. However, nowadays parents will watch TV; the youth will go to the cinema or go out with their friends to have different types of drink instead of simple tea in the past.

When I was a kid, I learnt from my textbook that tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water & the royal chef gave that water to the emperor of China. He liked it so much that he suggested him to make this beverage again ☕

What an amazing story

thank u 4 spilling the tea

TED-ed is the only useful channel when it comes to these kind of things.

China: *invents a cup of hot water with a leaf* Britain: *_FBI OPEN UP_*

차가 이렇게 오랜 역사가 있을 줄은 몰랐습니다. 차가 처음에는 마시는 용도가 아니라 먹는 용도로 쓰였다는 점을 새롭게 알게 되었습니다. 좋은 영상 감사합니다.

As someone from Darjeeling, India this video was a major plot twist and informative for me thankyou

As a Chinese, I hope the traditional ancient China cultures back again.

Sick of tea? That’s like being sick of breathing!

I’m Chinese so I’m very happy that you guys did this.

I like how each culture has a Tea ☕.

Addicted to tea, at least 3 times a day, every single day~

(0:13) TedEd: Accidentally poisoned himself Me: What are the chances of tha- TedEd: 72 times! Me: ...

My favourite variety of tea is Earl Grey. It tastes so refreshing and it has a pretty interesting story, too! So once there was this British earl, Earl Grey. He was traveling in China and one rainy day his carriage slipped and got stuck in a ditch. A kind Chinese merchant helped him out and gave him some tea to warm up, which was unlike any other tea he had before. After that, Earl Grey became good friends with the merchant and he asked for the tea to be shipped back to England. However, back in those days the only method of exporting goods was by sea and it was difficult and time consuming, so Earl Grey had to wait one year for his tea to arrive. Fed up with the long wait, he asked for the recipe and got the reply. He started making the tea himself and drinking it everyday. Since he was in the aristocracy the tea got popularized and soon many people in the elite social class started drinking this bergamot-scented tea, Earl Grey. And the thing I like most? The merchant (according to my dad, who's a big history nerd) was from the Guangdong province, where Hong Kong is. I live in Hong Kong, so every time I drink some tea, I can take a little sip of history.

I love tea. There's always a time or occasion for tea. I feel weird for people who drink coffee instead of tea, I understand that everyone has different tastes but I still can't believe someone can love coffee more than tea. 😆

The narrator's pronunciation in both Chinese and English is very good, simultaneously. Although the storyline is boring but I really enjoyed her speaking.

*_Accidentally poisoned himself, 72 times_*

I love tea because it taste very good and I have learn about the history of tea Thanks for the clip!❤️❤️❤️

1:28 : The Chinese in the background roughly translates into "[In a] cold night [when a] visitor comes, [we serve] tea as alcohol."

I know this comment will receive backlash but I have to say it: Tea is better than coffee! ❤️🍵☕

finally, a western media says something more objectively. and whoever did the voiceover thank you, she pronounces every Chinese character with the correct tone.

The one beverage that I drink to help keep myself concentrated during quarantine. Say who here is watching this, while drinking tea?

Hi from Russia ! I watch this chanel very often for my developing of English .

How long does it take to brew Chinese tea? Oolong time.

I love tea such as Chinese tea, green tea, red tea, black tea, English tea, early grey tea, yellow tea and others tea . I am the fan of tea

Tea, with its origins shrouded in ancient lore and steeped in centuries of tradition, emerges as a profound embodiment of cultural heritage, spiritual reflection, and sensory delight. From the misty highlands of China to the sun-drenched plantations of Assam, the journey of tea traverses landscapes and epochs, weaving a rich tapestry of human ingenuity and connection with the natural world. At its core, tea is a testament to the artistry of cultivation and craftsmanship, nurtured by the skilled hands of farmers and artisans who coax the delicate leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to perfection. From the tender plucking of the first flush to the meticulous processing that unfolds in tea factories, each step in the journey of tea is imbued with reverence for the land and a commitment to quality that has been passed down through generations. Yet, beyond its agricultural roots, tea transcends mere botanical significance, assuming a central role in the social, spiritual, and cultural fabric of societies around the globe. From the ornate tea ceremonies of Japan to the convivial tea houses of Morocco, tea serves as a catalyst for human connection, fostering moments of intimacy, conviviality, and contemplation that transcend language and cultural barriers. Moreover, tea is revered for its myriad health benefits, from its antioxidant-rich properties to its ability to soothe the mind and invigorate the body. As a source of vitality and wellness, tea has been embraced by healers and scholars throughout history as a elixir of longevity and vitality, offering respite from the stresses of modern life and a pathway to holistic well-being. In its diverse array of forms and flavors - from the delicate nuances of white tea to the robust depths of pu-erh - tea embodies the timeless virtues of mindfulness, patience, and reverence for the natural world. With each sip, we are invited to embark on a sensory journey that transcends the confines of time and space, connecting us to the rhythms of the earth and the wisdom of generations past. In summation, tea is more than just a beverage; it is a cultural artifact, a symbol of hospitality, and a conduit for connection with the divine. As we partake in the ritual of tea, let us not only savor its flavors and aromas, but also reflect on the rich tapestry of human experience and tradition that it represents.

An amazing video.

I just realized Britain is the biggest drug dealer ever.....

I love being British, but I'm ashamed most of the things we have/built the British Empire/British culture were stolen from other cultures... Tea, chips/potatoes etc

"a leaf got into his mouth and saved him from the poison" thats the storiest story ive ever seen lol

Uncle Iroh Will love thisss🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

*We Indians never knew we are drinking tea that was covertly stolen from China and Planted in Darjiling..We Indians are so addicted to Tea😢*

Etymology of tea: Most Chinese languages, such as Mandarin and Cantonese, pronounce it along the lines of cha, but Hokkien varieties along the Southern coast of China and in Southeast Asia pronounce it like teh. These two pronunciations have made their separate ways into other languages around the world:[10] Te is from the Amoy tê of southern Fujian province. The ports of Xiamen (Amoy) and Quanzhou were once major points of contact with foreign traders. Western European traders such as the Dutch may have taken this pronunciation either directly from Fujian or Formosa where they had established a port, or indirectly via Malay traders in Bantam, Java.[11] The Dutch then spread this pronunciation of tea to Western Europe. This pronunciation gives rise to English "tea" and similar words in other languages, and is the most common form worldwide. Cha is from the Cantonese chàh of Guangzhou (Canton) and the ports of Hong Kong and Macau, also major points of contact, especially with the Portuguese, who spread it to India in the 16th century. The Korean and Japanese pronunciations of cha, however, came not from Cantonese, rather they were borrowed into Korean and Japanese during earlier periods of Chinese history. A third form, chai, is likely to have come from Persian چای chay. Both the châ and chây forms are found in Persian dictionaries.[12] They are thought to have been derived from Northern Chinese pronunciation of chá,[13] which passed overland to Central Asia and Persia, where it picked up the Persian grammatical suffix -yi before passing on to Russian, Arabic, Turkish, etc.[14] The chai pronunciation was introduced into India by the Mughals, and entered English via Hindi-Urdu.[2] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology_of_tea

The True Nature's Drink, I Love Tea

I’m watching this while drinking tea ☕️