A treaty is an official, legal agreement between two parties; there have been many treaties throughout history dealing with a variety of things including many nations. Peace treaties deal with settling long disputes, wars, and disagreements. Their goal is usually to pave a way for multiple groups of people to live in peace with each other after having severely hurt one other. They could also strive for peace by taking precautions against either party hurting each other, willfully or un-wilfully.
The plant Camellia sinensis, also known as tea, is loved by millions of people around the world. She has captivated hearts, invaded homes and has shaped many cultures. Tea is part of hospitality in many countries, offering tea extends an invitation to share something together, it strives to convey a welcoming message, a message of safety. Sharing tea is an agreement to engage in a cordial, peaceful moment in a world of chaos.
If a young British student and an older Russian lady who immigrated two generations ago were to cross paths, they may not have anything to talk about except one thing- tea. The British and the Russian both have strong tea cultures, they may look significantly different than each other but the drink in their cups is the same and is likely to come from the same plantation in either China or India. Tea is what brings them back home, it is what they can agree on. Even a Japanese mother and an Indian father can find something to talk about when it comes to tea. Camellia transcends cultures, worldviews, and religions, she can unify nations that believe they have nothing in common.
Camellia is steeped in centuries of philosophy, history and culture. With its many nuances and properties, it can also help us come to a closer connection with nature and with our senses. Tea can enrich the way we live our life, the way we think about things and the way we experience and interact with others. Here we will explore how her unifying presence has shaped and can continue to shape the world we live in and be a median of peace throughout nations and throughout the self.
Reviews: These are blogs reviewing teas, tea company experiences and may also include reviews on different methods of brewing tea.
Free Your Gaiwan: These posts have to do with the experimentation of brewing other herbs gong fu style that are not true tea (not Camellia sinensis)
Tea Reflections: Talk more about concepts and philosophies of tea and will usually include a “Camellia’s Treaty article”. A treaty usually contains different articles, or sections, which explain specific things that the parties signing the treaty will agree to in order to keep the peace. Following this idea, a Camellia’s Treaty article is just a reflection on life that is somehow inspired by tea that is intended to be applicable to all people no matter their background.