Goddess of the Hearth.

The Hearth. The heart of a home. The bringer of warmth, food, creation, light and tea. The hearth, you probably didn't know, is celebrated in mythologies all over the world! So let us too give praise for with out these deities I would not be about to put the kettle on.

In Japan the goddess of the hearth is Huchi-Fuchi. She was first honored among the hunting gathering tribe, the Ainu, and it is said that perhaps Mount Fuji is named after this goddess because of the volcanic hearth in her belly. In traditional Japanese tea ceremonies there is a portion of the dance that is a tribute to Huchi-Fuchi in thanks for her warmth.

The greeks have Hestia.

The Germans have Hertha.

And henceforth my tea muse will be guided by these goddesses of warmth on my search for tea shop inspiration.