Traditional herbs

Having tea brings people together - and if tea is not available, herbs will do. But the most important thing about the Russian tea ceremony is the shared conversation

By Katja Timofeewa 07/01/2021

Tea was first imported into what is now Russia in 1638, but many people could not afford the leaves back then. Therefore, people created their own herbal tradition here. People brewed Ivan tea, currant, raspberry and lime leaves, and in addition to a household medicine, a tea ceremony was also created.

“While drinking tea, it is important to speak freely and intimately with each other”

As a child living in a tiny village near Moscow, I remember sitting with all my neighbours around the large polished samovar, the container in which tea is traditionally brewed.

We drank the tea from carefully decorated metal cups. When receiving or passing the tea cups, one says “to our health” or “may God save us”. While drinking tea, it is important to speak freely and intimately with each other - the aim is to make a connection with the other people.