Matcha, the emerald-green powdered tea beloved around the world, is more than just a drink—it's a story steeped in history, ritual, and reverence. While today you might sip matcha in a trendy café or whisk it at home for a mindful morning ritual, this vibrant tea has travelled centuries and continents to reach your cup.
So where does matcha come from? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of matcha, from ancient Chinese dynasties to Japanese tea ceremonies and modern global wellness culture.
1. Matcha’s Roots in Ancient China
The earliest records of powdered tea can be traced back to Tang Dynasty China (7th–10th century), where tea was steamed, dried, and pressed into bricks. During this era, tea preparation evolved into grinding the leaves into a fine powder and whisking it into hot water—a precursor to modern matcha.
However, it was during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) that powdered tea culture flourished. Tea competitions, where participants showcased their skill in preparing and presenting whipped tea, became popular among the elite. This practice laid the groundwork for matcha’s later ceremonial refinement.
2. Introduction to Japan: The Role of Zen Buddhism
Matcha’s journey to Japan began in the 12th century, when the Japanese monk Eisai (Yōsai) travelled to China to study Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Upon his return in 1191, Eisai brought back tea seeds and powdered tea-making techniques, introducing them to Japanese monasteries.
Matcha soon became an integral part of Zen meditation practice, prized for its ability to keep monks alert during long sessions of zazen (seated meditation). The calming L-theanine paired with caffeine made matcha the perfect companion for focus and mindfulness.
Eisai even wrote a book called Kissa Yōjōki (喫茶養生記), or Drinking Tea for Health, advocating tea as a source of longevity and vitality—an idea that continues to influence matcha culture today.
3. The Birth of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
In the 14th to 16th centuries, matcha evolved from a monastic tool into an art form. Murata Jukō, a 15th-century Zen monk, is credited with laying the philosophical foundations of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or chado (the Way of Tea). He introduced the concept of wabi-sabi—aesthetic simplicity, humility, and transience—which became central to the tea ritual.
Later, Sen no Rikyū, the most influential figure in Japanese tea culture, elevated matcha preparation into a highly codified and spiritual experience. Under his guidance, tea became a pathway to harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity.
The tradition of using matcha in ceremonial-grade rituals, with precise movements and tools like the chasen (bamboo whisk), chawan (tea bowl), and chasaku (bamboo scoop), continues today across Japan and among tea practitioners worldwide.
4. Matcha’s Modern Revival
For centuries, matcha remained largely ceremonial and confined to Japanese culture. But in the 21st century, matcha exploded onto the global scene, driven by:
Health trends: Packed with antioxidants (especially EGCG), L-theanine, and chlorophyll, matcha gained fame as a superfood.
Mindful living: Its meditative preparation appeals to those seeking slower, intentional lifestyles.
Culinary creativity: From lattes and desserts to skincare and smoothies, matcha became a versatile ingredient loved by chefs and wellness influencers alike.
Today, matcha is not just a drink—it's a lifestyle symbol. Whether sipped traditionally or blended into modern creations, its story continues to unfold.
Honouring Matcha’s Heritage
Understanding the origins of matcha brings deeper meaning to each cup. What began as a meditative elixir in ancient monasteries has evolved into a global symbol of wellness, craftsmanship, and calm.
So the next time you whisk your matcha or enjoy it in a café, take a moment to reflect on the centuries of wisdom, culture, and ritual carried within that vibrant green bowl.
