For many years people have been aware of the habit of the Chinese people to drink tea. It is the most popular drink in their country and has served them well through the ages. They claim to realize many health benefits, as well as pleasure, from drinking Chinese tea.

The legend is that use of tea originated in ancient China, being discovered by their Emperor when a leaf fell into a cup of boiling water. Records show that it has been used for centuries and is considered a necessity of their life. One will not find any home in China that does not have tea in their cupboard.

This tea is divided into main groups of green oolong, white, red, black, red, scented and compressed with green tea being the most popular. There are a number of other teas, as well, that fall under these groups including white and yellow. Teas made from flower blossoms are popular but not considered a true tea. The differences in the type of tea plant used, as well as the age of the leaves when picked and the way it is processed, determine the group.

Tea in this country is not only drank for pleasure but also for medicinal purposes, mainly to do with the digestive track and the heart. Many other medicinal claims have been made for this tea including such things as cancer, kidney stones and cholesterol but there are no scientific facts to back these assertions. However, at the present time studies are being made to see if these claims are valid.

The Chinese Tea Ceremony is a beautiful rite in which tea is graciously served. Movement of the hands, location of the cups, how it is poured and presented are all done in a specific manner. Ordinary and formal tea houses, serving this beverage, are found through different neighborhoods in the country.

How it is presented, how the cup is held, the type served, all denote certain things to the Chinese people. It may be served to show respect, to apologize, or on a special occasion, such as a wedding. Chinese tea is as important in that country today as it was so many centuries ago.

In visiting, one will see the tea houses filled with young and old alike enjoying the beverage together with small rice cakes or other snacks. This drink, which originated in China, is a regular in many homes throughout the world. The British, as well as Japan, have made having tea a part of their culture.