From linguistic,
archaeological, literary, and oral sources, it can be concluded that Tambula
chewing was practiced in South-East Asia in prehistoric times. From the
beginning centuries of the common era (CE) its use spread throughout the
region, and from the tenth century onwards, it appears Tambula was an integral part of various rituals and social gatherings. During the Dynasties of Jin (1115–1234 CE) and Yuan (1279–1368 CE)
in China, there were evidence of introduction of areca nut pills (Called
Muxiang Binglong Pill) for reinforcing vital energy.
Recent excavations at
Quseir al-Qadim, an ancient port located on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, proved the existence of a large-scale trade of areca nuts during 11-13 Century CE.
Considering the fact that Quseir al-Qadim lies in the main transit route of
Islamic trade between South and South-East Asia and North Africa, the
Mediterranean and Europe, it is the only evidence available on the use of Areca
nuts in the western countries in the medieval period.
By the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries, the chewing of Tambula was established virtually
everywhere in tropical Asia. It was a symbol of indispensable politeness to be
offered to a guest in court or village, and as a central ritual symbol, as
digestive, dentifrice and mouth freshener, and as the relaxant that made life
more bearable-especially when traveling, warring, or otherwise short of food.
Areca nut and betel leaf frequently accompanied the dead during funerals. Betel
chewing and its ingredients were featured widely in healing rituals and
practices, in offerings to the ubiquitous spirits of the dead, and in every
social and ritual function. Areca nut and betel leaves were the essentials of
every ritual of courtship and marriage. At the marriage ceremony itself the
betel ingredients are usually presented as part of the bride-price. In Malay
and Sumatran weddings in the nineteenth century, an ornate "Areca
tree" comprised of betel leaves was carried in procession.
