Who am I?
If tea could ask, there would be many answers!
I am a noble gift—some people only drink but never buy, while others only buy but never drink!
I am an elegant culture—some use me to show off their taste, while others rely on me to make a fortune!
I am a healthy beverage—some use me to cut through greasiness, while others use me for health preservation!
I am an envoy of civilization—some learn about China through me, while others connect with the world through me!
I am⋯⋯
I am a leaf, born in China and spread throughout the world! Some call me the "magical oriental leaf." The ancient Chinese, with their wisdom, created my siblings of different shades, each with their own charm, changing the world's palate!
However, in the 21st century, we have gradually undergone many changes; some changes have made us more outstanding, while others have distorted us beyond recognition! "Who am I?" This question has troubled us for many years!
When I was elevated into the hall of culture, praise poured in! Su Dongpo said: "Fine tea is like a beautiful woman." Wealthy businessmen say: "Brewing tea is like courting a girl." Scholars and literati love tea so much they humbly call themselves tea addicts, tea worms, or tea ghosts. High officials and nobles treasure tea like a gem, using their power to hoard the finest teas⋯⋯Thus, opportunistic merchants invited officials, scholars, and planners to inscribe calligraphy for me, fabricate stories, create legends, and gild my image. My origin was suddenly tied to noble families, ancient traditions, imperial tributes, royal inscriptions, and generational heritage. Paired with beautiful tea art performances, high-end clubs, and elegant tea gatherings, I was no longer just a leaf—I became a golden leaf on a money tree. I passed through different hands, appreciated, traded, and soared in value. With culture as my wings, I soared through the world of fame and fortune, driving countless merchants to madness!
With culture and born in a land of etiquette, my stage is boundless! Giving tea means giving health—no one complains about too many gifts. In the past, people gave alcohol; now, they only give tea. Giving tea is cultured, and hosts are delighted. Grand gifts require no thanks, while small favors must include tea. Scholars savor the world, buying expensive over cheap. Tea has its way, but gifts know no bounds⋯⋯As the saying goes, "Tea relies on packaging, experts rely on pretense." As a gift, my attire is extravagantly luxurious! From wooden boxes and ceramic containers to crystal and gold packaging, perhaps even space-age packaging in the future. Under the guidance of experts, my name is constantly adorned with modifiers: tea designated for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diaoyutai, Zhongnanhai, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and central government procurement. It seems if it’s not fit for the grandest halls, it cannot be called tea!
"Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and flowers; firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea!" Stripped of all flashy packaging and stripped of all profit-driven hype, I am just a leaf! I was once called the "magical oriental leaf" by foreigners, even sparking terrible wars over me. A young man named Zhou Shuai from Kunming, Yunnan, even wrote a book titled Tea Wars about this, which garnered strong reactions. Historically, I have been glorious; in reality, I have just been through a frenzy. Now, I just want to be myself again! I am just a leaf—a leaf that, through the artificial wisdom of the East, transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, ever-changing aromas, and mesmerizing charm. I can reside in the highest halls of power or wander to the farthest corners of the world! But as a leaf, only by being myself can I have more stories, continuous heritage, and enduring life!
Authenticity is the original self!
Tea, be yourself again!