Tea, as an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, has been endowed with rich cultural connotations and a variety of elegant names since ancient times. In ancient texts, there are numerous names for tea, but “tea” is the most formal term. Before the mid-Tang Dynasty, the character for “tea” was typically written as “tú,” which had multiple meanings, one of which referred to tea leaves.
With the flourishing of tea production and the popularization of tea-drinking habits, the frequency of using the name for tea gradually increased. To more clearly express the meaning of tea, folk writers simplified the character “tú,” removing one stroke, forming the familiar “tea” character we know today.
In the poetry and writings of ancient literati, tea has various nicknames, which not only reflect its diversity but also demonstrate the ancients' love and pursuit of Tea culture. Here are some of the nicknames for tea found in ancient poetry:
1. Tú (Tear)
“Tú” is the most commonly used character to represent tea in ancient times, first appearing in the Book of Songs. Scholars have differing opinions on whether “tú” refers specifically to tea. Xu Shen, in his “Etymological Dictionary” from the Eastern Han Dynasty, mentions: “Tú, bitter tea.”
2. Míng (Ming)
“Míng” is said to be a local term for “tea” in Yunnan province, starting to be used to refer to tea around the Eastern Han Dynasty. Today, “míng” is basically interchangeable with “tea” and has become an elegant name for it. Su Shi of the Song Dynasty praised tea in a poem: “Fine tea is like a beautiful woman.”
3. Bu Ye Hou (Sleepless Duke)
Due to its ability to refresh the mind and dispel sleepiness, tea was referred to as “Bu Ye Hou” by poets such as Bai Juyi during the Tang Dynasty, praising its power to overcome drowsiness.
4. Xiao Du Chen (Toxin-Dispelling Minister)
During the Tang Dynasty, records show that Tianzhu Peak tea could dispel the toxins from alcohol and meat, leading to tea being called “Xiao Du Chen” to commend its detoxifying properties.
5. Di Fan Zi (Trouble-Cleansing Son)
The nickname “Di Fan Zi” originates from the ability of tea to wash away mental vexation and bring tranquility and comfort. The “Supplement to the History of the Tang Dynasty” contains references to tea as “Di Fan Zi.”
6. Qing Feng Shi (Messenger of Clear Breeze)
During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, tea was referred to as “Qing Feng Shi,” suggesting that Drinking Tea can evoke a feeling of a refreshing breeze caressing the face, creating a sense of ease and joy.
7. Yu Gan Shi (Remnant Sweetness)
In Song Dynasty literature, tea is referred to as “Yu Gan Shi,” a nickname derived from its aftertaste characteristic.
8. Qing You (Clear Friend)
“Qing You” is another elegant name for tea, implying that drinking tea brings a fresh experience and a pleasant mood.
These nicknames enrich the cultural connotations of tea and showcase the unique emotions and aesthetic sensibilities the ancients had towards tea. Through these elegant names and nicknames, we can glimpse the elegance of ancient tea affairs and the deep feelings the ancients had for tea.