Guanyin

Guanyin is a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. She is the East Asian representation of Avalokiteśvara. She was first given the title "Goddess of Mercy" by Jesuit missionaries in China. Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means "The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World," as she can hear all prayers and cries for help. There is a tale of a Buddhist farmer in Fujian Anxi who saw Guanyin in a dream. She showed him a tea tree and the next morning he found the tree and planted it in his home. Since that day, the tea was call Tie Guan Yin or Ti Kuan Yin. Another tea myth involving Guanyin happens in a rural village plagued by drought. Despite their situation, they offered what little water they had to a stranger coming through the village. The stranger revealed herself to be Guanyin and called a blue spring to come forth from the earth, ending their drought. In honor of this blessing, the villagers produced this oolong with blue mallow petals to represent the clear blue spring.

Tradition: China

Tasting Notes: orchid, plum, slightly dry

Ingredients: oolong tea and mallow petals

Recommended Reading: A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin and A Venom Dark and Sweet by Judy I. Lin