Origin and Meaning of Chai

Meaning & Origin

Tea

Origin: Hebrew and Chinese - In Hebrew, 'Chai' (חי) means 'life'. In the context of Chinese culture, it refers to 'tea'.

Interesting Facts

  • In Jewish tradition, 'Chai' is a symbol of life and is often associated with luck and good fortune.
  • In Chinese culture, 'Chai' refers to tea, which is a significant part of social customs and dining.
  • Notable references include the Hebrew concept of 'Chai' as a common symbol in jewelry and art, often represented numerically as 18, which is considered a lucky number.
  • The use of Chai as a name is more prevalent in Jewish communities, while Chai as 'tea' is well-known globally, especially in countries like India and China.
  • Variations of 'Chai' include 'Chaya' (life) in Hebrew, and 'Chai' also can be encountered in culinary contexts, particularly with chai tea.