Back in the fall, I hopped on a Bolt Bus headed towards NYC to attend a private screening of The Meaning Of Tea, not yet knowing that this film would greatly deepen and grow my connection to tea. The Meaning Of Tea is “a 74-minute documentary film that travels through India, Japan, Taiwan, Morocco, England, France, Ireland, and even Tea, South Dakota to ask a variety of people about their relationship to tea as a beverage, a means of relaxation, and a way of life.”
To state it rather simply, this film intensified my love affair with tea as it explored the emotional, historical, cultural and experiential role of tea throughout the world.
Scott Hoyt, the director of this cinematic journey, notes that “In this film, I seek to capture the compelling essence of tea as philosophy, art form, and as an old tea master once said, a means to cleanse the senses. While other documentary films on tea have focused on its history or sociology, I will focus on what Suzuki calls “the spirit of tea,” the rediscovery of simplicity, harmony, purity, and reverence for life.”
I feel truly fortunate to have experienced such a defining film, as it offered me the opportunity to take a look at how those closely connected to tea viewed its deeper meaning and significance. From tea sellers and pickers, to tasters, teapot traders and plantation owners, each offered an honest insight into the complexities of this plant and beverage from a deeply emotionally perspective. Each carefully crafted and seamlessly integrated scene touched upon the ritual, history, picking, selling, buying and tasting aspects of tea.
As the film explored tea’s role in our modern world and its meaning in our fast paced culture, I was truly inspired to ask the questions, what does tea mean to me? Although its role in my life has changed throughout the years, tea began simply as a welcomed escape from coffee. It would soon evolve into a beverage that excited my senses, then a restorative treat, before becoming a ritual, and now I am proud to say that tea is truly a part of who I am. Tea defines me and has inspired my values.
Although I have no intention of spoiling your viewing experience by exposing details, I need to share a truly moving quote from the film. The carefully considered and soulfully expressed words of lu-feng lu from Wu-ling tea farm in Taiwan captivated my spirit and soul.
“When I drink a good tea, I use my heart to smell the aroma. When I inhale, it goes right into my soul. So when I come across a good tea, I remember it for many years. The memory of that tea stays with me for a longtime. For a tea to be very good, you need the right combination of heaven, earth and man. Sometimes it takes years to comes across one. I feel fortunate, as I’ve experienced this a few times in my life. I’ve come across a good tea only four times. It’s so rare. Some people never come across a good tea in their lifetime. For this reason, I feel lucky. My life is fulfilled.”
Take one more slow sip from your cup and gently read the quote once again.
I highly recommend that you add this film to your collection, as it will help you better understand and define what tea truly means to you. Steep your favorite tea, watch the trailer and take the first step on the path towards understanding how tea has lifted your spirit.
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