For those who have been curious enough to ask for the symbology behind our logo, we want to delve into a little more detail: starting with the reason behind the two cranes <3
Basically, the crane holds a special place in our hearts at Eisa Tea Co. It symbolises balance, grace, and resilience—values that inspire our tea blends and the experiences we create (plus, our farmers often tell us about them on their tea fields!).
These majestic birds also represent longevity, noble character, and good fortune in many Asian traditions. Due to the fact that we source tea from several of these countries, have a second home base in Taiwan, and are learning Mandarin to deepen our connections within the tea world, the crane’s symbolism resonates deeply with us.
Let's delve into some of the stories that inspire us <3
The Grateful Crane
In Japanese folklore, The Grateful Crane tells of a man named Karoku who saved a crane caught in a trap by offering all the money he had to free it. The next day, a mysterious woman appeared at his home, asking to stay the night. They eventually married, and the woman wove exquisite cloths, which brought Karoku great wealth. However, she warned him never to disturb her while she worked.
One night, curiosity overcame Karoku, and he discovered that his wife was the crane he had saved, weaving her feathers into the cloth. Her true identity revealed, she could no longer stay. A flock of cranes appeared, carrying her away into the sunset, leaving Karoku with both sorrow and gratitude for her gifts.
Cranes Across Cultures
Cranes appear in the mythology of many Asian countries. Some of our favourite stories are:
China: Known as “heavenly cranes,” they are believed to carry the souls of the departed to the afterlife. In Daoist art, they symbolise immortality and are often depicted alongside peaches of longevity.
Korea: The crane represents peace and harmony. During the Goryeo dynasty, it was a favoured motif in art, especially on ceramics and royal attire, reflecting their association with good fortune.
Taiwan: In Indigenous Taiwanese cultures, cranes are revered as spiritual messengers. They often appear in traditional dances, symbolising a connection between humans and the divine.
Vietnam: Cranes are frequently shown with tortoises in temple art, representing the harmony of heaven and earth and the balance of opposites.
Japan: The crane is a symbol of hope and healing. Folding a thousand origami cranes, or senbazuru, is believed to grant a wish or bring recovery to the ill.
India: The crane is a symbol of longevity and wisdom, often associated with peacefulness and calm. It is sometimes linked to spiritual ascension, as cranes are believed to carry souls to the afterlife in certain Hindu beliefs.
Sri Lanka: Cranes in Sri Lanka are seen as symbols of elegance and auspiciousness. The bird is often associated with fertility, prosperity, and the passing of good fortune.
Indonesia: In Indonesia, the crane is viewed as a symbol of grace, beauty, and patience. It represents balance, reflecting the harmony between nature and human life.
At Eisa Tea Co., we strive to honour these traditions, weaving their grace into everything we do. Our crane logo reflects these ideals, reminding us to find harmony in life, love, and, of course, tea <3
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