The Tea Legend of the Iron Goddess Mercy

This legend has its beginnings in the high mountain Shaxian province of Fujian on the southeast coast of China. In this province stood a rundown and neglected stone temple. Inside was an iron statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Buddhists pray to Kuan Yin for enlightenment.

The legend maintains that a farmer came to pray at the temple daily. The farms were plagued with drought and the community was poor. Each time the farmer came to the temple to pray, he would sweep the floor and light incense to please Kuan Yin. Every day he asked for some relief for the farmers of the village.

On one specific day, after lighting the incense, the goddess came to life. The farmer fell to his knees as the goddess said “The key for your future is just outside this temple. Nourish it with tenderness; it will support you and yours for generations to come.” Then the goddess reverted back to iron.

The farmer first thought he had dreamed the event, but his curiosity led him outside the temple where he found a withered bush. He watered the bush and cleaned the ground beneath it of weeds and grass. He said, “You are a gift from Kuan Yin and I shall treasure you.”

For weeks afterward, the farmer returned to the temple to clean it and light incense and pray. Then he would water the plant. It soon came to life with vibrant glossy green leaves. The farmer discovered that the leaves, when mixed with hot water, made a refreshing beverage. He cut branches for his neighbors to plant. Soon the entire area of Fujian was full of these wonderful bushes.

The farmer began experimenting by drying the leaves in a stone wok. They turned a smooth charcoal black. The tea produced from these leaves were fragrant and delicious. The farmer called the drink Ti Kuan Yin (tea of the Iron Goddess of Mercy). This tea became known as oolong (black dragon) and Ti Kuan Yin is the most beloved and well known of the oolong tea.

Another legend grew from the Iron Goddess. Because this plant grew in remote and inaccessible regions of the Wuyi Mountains, it is said that Buddhist monks trained monkeys to pick the leaves from the wild tea trees. This tea was presented to Eperor Qian Long in 1741 and was enjoyed only by the Imperial Court. Later this beverage became more accessible to the general population. It served to provide inspiration for artists, writers and scholars.

Tea Legends
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