Pu'er Tea, a familiar name, the rich and mellow Pu'er tea is an indispensable beverage in the lives of Yunnan people. Pu'er tea has evolved from a local specialty in Yunnan to a widely sought-after Drink by the nation, not only because of its unique effects and functions but also due to its taste, which leaves one unable to resist after just one sip. Do you know why Pu'er tea cakes are 357g?
Yunnan Pu'er tea is a major specialty product of Yunnan, loved by many. Apart from its taste and effects, another distinctive feature is that almost every cake of Pu'er tea weighs 357g. Why is each Pu'er tea cake 357g?
The origin of the 357g weight for Yunnan Pu'er tea cakes is likely unknown to many. If you are unfamiliar or have some understanding, read the following introduction about Pu'er tea. The 357g weight is specific to tea cakes; Pu'er loose tea and tuocha do not weigh this amount, nor do smaller tea cakes.
Historically, Pu'er tea flourished among ancient people two thousand years ago and was popular among the nobility during the Qing dynasty. Pu'er tea cakes, also known as “seven-son” tea cakes, weigh 357g each. The reason why they weigh 357g dates back to early times:
In ancient times, border trade involved the government implementing standardized measures to reduce disputes over weights and measures. The purpose was to facilitate statistics, taxation, and transactions. For example, ancient round tea (i.e., seven-son cakes) weighed 7 liang per round, with seven rounds making up a cylinder weighing 49 liang (16 liang equaling 1 catty, so 49 liang was approximately 3.06 catties). 32 cylinders equaled one draft (weighing 98 catties), close to 100 catties.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the weight of seven-son cakes was set at 357g, making the weight of each cylinder and each basket closer to whole numbers, such as “one cylinder weighing 7 cakes × 357g/cake, approximately equal to 2.5 kilograms; one basket weighing 12 cylinders × 2.499 kilograms/cylinder = 29.988 kilograms, approximately equal to 30 kilograms.” This way, originally fragmented numbers become whole numbers when added together, facilitating the management of Pu'er tea production and sales.
This is how the 357g weight for Pu'er tea cakes was established.
Additionally, there are other interpretations, such as:
Some interpret 357 based on Chinese cultural traditions, with the meaning being: 3 + 5 + 7 equals 15. 15 is the day of reunion, symbolizing unity.
Others interpret the significance of 357g from the perspective of the I Ching. Firstly, 3, 5, and 7 are all yang numbers (yang numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9; yin numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10). Yang represents the sun and fire, characterized by change and freedom; Yin represents the moon and water, characterized by stillness and calmness.
The sum of the yang numbers is 25 (1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9), representing the law of solar movement, while Yin represents the moon, with the sum of the yin numbers being 30 (2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10), hinting at the astronomical mystery of 30 days in a month. This is where the concept of the month originates. How profound the astronomical calendar contained in the I Ching and the greatness of traditional Chinese culture are!
The numerological mystery of 357: 3 represents the Three Talents – Heaven, Earth, and Humanity; 5 represents the Five Elements; 7 represents Lesser Yang, Thunder, and the Dragon. The essence of the 357 in Pu'er tea lies in achieving harmony between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity through the spirit of the dragon and the laws of Yin and Yang, embodying the spirit of Chinese culture and, specifically within tea culture, the spirit of tea dao.
Seven represents Lesser Yang, the dragon, characterized by constant change. Pu'er tea exhibits a multitude of changes, offering diverse experiences in collection and consumption.
Five represents the Five Elements, the laws of change, and the five flavors, with the harmonious blending of the five flavors being the highest realm in Pu'er tea. Three represents Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, from which all things arise. Enjoying tea and collecting it requires the right time, place, and people. 357 is truly a magical number.