Video: 5 Bizarre Tea Superstitions From Around the World

A list of odd cultural beliefs about tea including scary warnings, funny mishaps, contradictory effects and unexpected rituals.

1. Spilled Tea Ancestor Summons

Spilled Tea Ancestor Summons

Rural Chinese families believe a spill calls forth ghosts. They follow precise pouring methods to avoid it. Some stories claim the ghosts demand more tea. Others contradict by saying it brings wealth.

2. Midnight Tea Hallucinations

Midnight Tea Hallucinations

Drinking tea after midnight is said to cause visions. People report seeing future events in the brew. Scary tales warn of permanent insanity from it. Funny versions involve seeing dancing animals instead.

3. Royal Tea Poison Hoax

Royal Tea Poison Hoax

Rumors claim British royals use tea to test poison. Servants drink first in old traditions. Contradictory accounts say it protects from harm. This led to many awkward palace moments historically.

4. Samurai Matcha Duel

Samurai Matcha Duel

Samurai once competed in tea making contests. The loser faced public embarrassment or worse. Unexpectedly some used it to settle disputes peacefully. Scary outcomes included ritual suicide threats.

5. Cursed Russian Tea Cozy

Cursed Russian Tea Cozy

A knitted cozy on samovar is believed to trap evil. Removing it releases bad spirits into tea. Families pass down scary stories about this. Some find it funny and use it as joke.