The Meaning of Tea

As the title suggests, The Meaning of Tea, is a documentary film with a simple focus.  Or is it something a bit more complex?  I have to admit that I have had this DVD in my office for a while now, but the hustle and bustle of daily business and personal life has left it collecting dust.  

Well, I finally had a quiet moment to view it on my laptop yesterday.  I found it to be a truly unique perspective of this remarkable plant.  Beautifully photographed in the tea gardens of Darjeeling and Taiwan, this film by Scott Chamberlin Hoyt received rave reviews when it was screened during the 2008 World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. The film shows how tea is cultivated and entwined in several varying cultures around the world, including India, Japan, Taiwan, Morocco, England, France, Ireland and the town of Tea, South Dakota.

With an exciting mix of interviews, archival footage and music, the film sheds light on tea’s many varieties, whose value, use, practices, and traditions are threatened by today’s marketplace. 

This beautiful film unveils tea's mysterious appeal and considers the question of whether any inherent meaning is to be found in tea, particularly in this modern era of consumption. The film reveals the positive role tea may play in the renewal of our world and is an incredible insight into this ancient leaf and beverage. The story does a great job of showing how the varying regions of the world embrace this simple plant differently, yet the meaning of tea is remarkably similar.  It is a healthy plant that when brewed, creates a beverage that transcends all the differences between cultures and helps friends and family unite in  harmony. 

If you have an interest in viewing this great film, I highly recommend it.  Brew up your favorite cup of tea, relax and take in the scenes of tea consumption around the globe.  You will not be disappointed!