Western Tea Culture: Myths and History in Every Sip

Throughout the long course of Western civilization, tea culture has been deeply rooted in the aesthetic life of Europeans. Since at least the ancient times of the Greeks and Romans, a wide variety of herbal teas were used, including chamomile, elderberry, and mint. Later on, European trading ships traveled the world, bringing back tea from China and coffee from Africa in the early 17th century.. 

Tea and Myth

In European folklore and classical mythology, herbs and flowers were not only seen as gifts from nature but also imbued with divine power and profound symbolism. As early as ancient Greece, chamomile was revered as a gift from the gods. It was said to be a sacred herb bestowed upon humankind by Apollo, the sun god, with the power to purify the spirit and ward off evil. Priests and healers of the time often used this herb to brew tea for rituals and medicine, as a medium to communicate with the divine and restore spiritual balance.

Similarly, in Norse mythology, floral and herbal teas were the secret healing tools of the goddess Freyja. Known as the goddess of love and beauty (and the origin of the word “Friday”), Freyja was said to use the essence of plants to craft healing teas that restored the strength of Viking warriors.

During the medieval period, European monks also regarded herbal teas as sacred beverages. They cultivated and brewed herbs like lavender, rosemary, and elderflower for healing rituals aimed at cleansing both body and soul. This union of nature and spirituality laid the deep foundations for Western herbal tea culture.

These ancient myths and historical traditions shaped European culture. Even today, the fragrance of fruit and black teas evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and refined etiquette passed down through the ages in Western civilization. 

Pairing Western Tea Culture with Teaware

English Afternoon Tea

Traditional English afternoon tea represents the pinnacle of Western tea culture. Black tea is served with scones, jam, finger sandwiches, and pastries, emphasizing both flavor and etiquette.

The use of a three-tiered serving tray and a fine bone china tea set transforms tea drinking into an expression of life’s aesthetics. This sense of ceremony echoes cultural values that emphasize harmony both inside and out.

English Black Teas

Varieties such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey feature rich aromas and flavors. Commonly paired with milk and sugar, they reflect the British passion for tea and their attention to detail.

We recommend serving them with a bone china teapot and high-footed teacups, evoking the elegance of a Victorian afternoon bathed in golden light.

Herbal and Fruit Teas

Teas like chamomile, rosehip, and elderflower are caffeine-free, highly aromatic, and beloved by European women especially. They symbolize the energy of nature and love.

We recommend brewing in a clear glass teapot, allowing the petals to unfurl gracefully in the water like a goddess from myth bestowing blessings upon the mortal world—creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Green and White Teas in Europe

In recent years, fresh teas such as Japanese sencha, jasmine, and silver needle white tea have grown in popularity across Europe. Valued for their purity and natural flavor, they are often enjoyed in bone china mugs or elegant  modern porcelain cups—perfect for quiet moments during work or reading, reflecting Europe’s pursuit of quality living and inner peace.

The Harmony of Shen Yun Art and Tea Culture

Shen Yun Collections’ exquisite Poets of the Orchid Pavilion Tea Set Collection captures not only the poetic spirit and elegance of Chinese tea traditions with its design but also draws on the materials and structure from the European tea tradition.  

Whether you’re enjoying a pot of black tea, a cup of chamomile, or a peaceful afternoon of English afternoon tea, Shen Yun’s artistry allows you to feel the shared resonances between Eastern and Western cultures and the path of harmony with the universe.

Whether it’s the lingering fragrance of Eastern teas or the rich aromas of Western blends, let the beauty of Shen Yun accompany your everyday life through the refined charm of elegant bone china.