Tea is more than just a beverage in Chinese culture. It is a symbol of hospitality, a form of relaxation, and a connection to one’s heritage. Many of these teas have fabled stories behind them, and bai ji guan has a story to tell too.
According to the legend, a monk was traveling through the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province, China, when he came across a brave rooster. The rooster was fiercely defending its young from an eagle, and despite being badly injured, it refused to give up, and was eventually overpowered. The monk was moved by the rooster’s bravery and love, and he decided to bury the rooster as a sign of respect.
It is said that from the spot where the rooster was buried, a bai ji guan tea bush sprouted and grew. The monk noticed that the leaves of the bush had a unique fragrance and taste, and he began to cultivate the tea. He named the tea “bai ji guan,” which means “white rooster” or “white cockscomb” in English, in honor of the brave rooster that had inspired him.
The legend of the bai ji guan tea and the brave rooster is a testament to the power of nature and the enduring spirit of courage and love. It reminds us that even in the face of danger and adversity, there is always hope and the possibility for new life to grow and thrive.
Today, bai ji guan tea is still grown in the Wuyi Mountains, although the production of it is somewhat limited.
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