Since 2012, we’ve embraced the art of creating tea time capsules as a meaningful way to commemorate life’s moments—birthdays, anniversaries, personal revelations, the birth of a child, or simply celebrating the fleeting beauty of life. These capsules are more than just sealed jars of tea; they’re traditions captured in time, reminders of impermanence, and glimpses into a moment preserved.

The process begins with selecting a beautiful vessel—something that feels special, intentional, and enduring. We fill it with exceptional tea, seal it with care, and mark it as a snapshot of a particular moment. These jars line our shelves as a quiet reminder of the passage of time and the transformations that occur—not just in tea, but in life.

The Appeal of Aged Tea

One of the most fascinating aspects of aging tea is how it evolves over time. Tea doesn’t go bad, but it does change. A tea that starts as green, floral, light, and refreshing can, over years, transform into something earthy, smooth, and deeply comforting. It’s a process that mirrors life: nothing stays the same, but the changes bring new depth and character.

In Taiwan, there’s an old saying that resonates with this transformation: as people age, their digestive systems and constitutions become gentler, and so their tea preferences shift to match. Aged teas, with their mellow flavors and nostalgic undertones, feel like old friends—comforting, familiar, and deeply satisfying. The lower caffeine content and gentle stimulation of aged tea make it a wonderful companion as time passes.

The Tradition of Tea Time Capsules

At our teahouse, we’ve made tea time capsules an annual event, often celebrated around Lunar New Year. Each year, we invite people to join us in sealing a tea to mark the year’s significance. Attendees sign their names, write the year on the jar, and contribute to this collective ritual of preservation.

This year, we celebrated the Year of the Snake by sealing a tea from 2011—the Year of the Rabbit. There’s something poetic about the overlap: the snake consumes the rabbit, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the years and the traditions we weave together. The date—2/11/25—added an extra layer of synchronicity, with its matching numbers enhancing the ritual’s sense of intentionality.

Why Create a Tea Time Capsule?

The beauty of creating a tea time capsule is twofold. First, it gives you the joy of preserving a moment in time, knowing you’ll revisit it years or decades later with new perspective. Second, it ensures you’ll have tea on hand for the future—whether for a special occasion or, as we like to joke, in case of systemic collapse.

This tradition is a grounding reminder that while nothing is permanent, some things—like the simple pleasure of tea—can connect us across time.

Join the Tradition

Have you ever created a tea time capsule? What moments in your life would you want to preserve? Drop us a comment, let us know your thoughts, and share your ideas. We always appreciate hearing from you.

Here’s to an amazing Year of the Snake—and to the transformative beauty of tea, time, and tradition. Be well!