What's in Your Tea?

 By Nancy J. Farrier

Dragon robe of Emperor
Qianlong (18th Century)
Photo by Dr. Meierhofer
Wikimedia Commons

Around 3,000 B.C., Empress Hsi-Ling-Shih was walking through her garden drinking her tea when a silkworm cocoon dropped into her tea cup. When she plucked it from the warm tea, the cocoon unwound and she discovered the filament to be a beautiful thread. She realized the worms crawling in the tree overhead were responsible for the cocoon and thus began China’s love of silk and the raising of silkworms.

 

At first only the royal Emperor, a few of his family, and his highest staff were allowed the precious thread and the clothing made from it. As they learned to cultivate the moths and worms and harvest the cocoons, silk became a form of currency. Often people would be paid for a service with silk cloth.

 

Adult Bombyx Mori moth, Wikimedia Commons

The most common type of moth is the Bombyx Mori, originally believed to be the Bombyx mandarina Moore that lived on the white mulberry tree found in China. The worms, when hatched, were kept in trays in a protected place. (Now between 65° and 77°) They had to be kept away from loud noise and strong smells such as meat, fish, and sweat. 

Trays for silkworms

The worms spend three days spinning a cocoon until they become puffy and white. They are stored in a warm, dry place for the next eight or nine days. After being dipped in hot water, the cocoon is unwound to a spool. The three of one cocoon may be between 600 and 900 meters long.

 

Silk Pavilion Silkworms
Wikimedia Commons

China did its best to keep the secret of silk safe. They didn’t want to share the knowledge with the world. However, the knowledge of the propagation of worms and the worms themselves ended up being smuggled out of China in various ways. Stories say in 440 AD, a Chinese princess hid eggs in her elaborate hairpiece when she went to marry a prince in Khotan. Two Nestorian monks traveled to the Byzantine Empire with silkworm eggs tucked away in their hollow bamboo sticks. 

 

Laying out Mulberry leaves
Wikimedia Commons

Little by little the knowledge and the silkworms were shared around the world. Still, no one could match the centuries of mastery the Chinese had developed in making silk cloth. Their cloth always brought higher prices because of the beauty and quality.

 

Man's Imperial Court Robe 1919
Daderot, Wikimedia Commons

Today, scientists continue to refine the silk process. By this time the Bombyx moth is completely dependent on mankind. They are flightless and can’t even find a mate unless they are placed close together. Scientists also continue to experiment and hope to develop a moth that will spin metallic thread and other unique types of filaments. China is still the leading producer of silk, a cloth that keeps the wearer cool in the heat and warm in the cold. 

 

Next time something drops in your tea, maybe you should take a closer look. (Smile) I was enjoyed learning about silkworms and their origin. What about you? Do you like wearing silk? I’d love to hear from you.

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Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.