Tieguanyin, one of China's famous teas, is renowned worldwide for its unique aroma, flavor, and Health benefits. However, have you ever wondered why this Tea is named “Tieguanyin”? What story and symbolism does it carry?
Legend Traced: Guanyin Appears, Bestowing Fine Tea
There are several versions about the origin of the name Tieguanyin, but the most widely known is the legend of “Guanyin appearing.”
It is said that in Xiping Village, Anxi County, Fujian Province, there was a devout tea farmer named Wang Shirang. He had been planting tea for generations and had a deep affection for it. One day, Wang Shirang made a wish before the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, praying for her blessing to grow better tea.
That night, Wang Shirang dreamt that Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared and guided him to a cliffside. After waking up, he followed the guidance from his dream and found a peculiar tea tree by the cliff. The branches and leaves of this tea tree were verdant, the leaves thick and lustrous, shaped like the sitting posture of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Wang Shirang transplanted this tea tree back home and tended to it with great care. A few years later, when the tea tree matured, the harvested leaves produced a tea with a rich aroma, full-bodied flavor, and a long-lasting aftertaste after brewing. Wang Shirang felt that this tea was a gift bestowed by Guanyin Bodhisattva, hence he named it “Tieguanyin.”
Resembling Guanyin, Color Like Iron
Another explanation suggests that the name Tieguanyin originates from its appearance and color. The buds and leaves of Tieguanyin are thick and have a dark lustrous color, heavy like iron; when brewed, the tea soup turns amber, clear and bright. After roasting, the leaves curl upward, resembling the sitting posture of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Therefore, naming this tea “Tieguanyin” makes perfect sense.
Emperor's Naming, Rising Fame
Yet another version states that the name Tieguanyin was given by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It is said that in the sixth year of Qianlong's reign, the Anxi tea farmer Wang Shirang brought Tieguanyin tea to Beijing as an offering. After tasting it, Emperor Qianlong praised the tea's aroma and flavor and bestowed the name “Tieguanyin” upon it.
From then on, Tieguanyin gained widespread fame and became a renowned tea both domestically and internationally.
Cultural Symbolism of Tieguanyin
Regardless of the true origin of its name, Tieguanyin carries profound cultural symbolism.
The character “Tie” symbolizes the tea's firm and stable quality, akin to the compassion and wisdom of Guanyin Bodhisattva. “Guanyin” represents the tea's aroma and flavor, which brings joy and satisfaction to the body and mind, leaving a lasting aftertaste.
Tieguanyin is not just a tea but also a cultural symbol, representing traditional Chinese culture and spirit.