Celebrated on May 21st each year, International Tea Day pays homage to one of the world’s favorite drinks - tea. The celebration doesn’t only focus on the beverage’s rich cultural history and economic importance. It also raises awareness about the ethical issues and sustainability concerns surrounding the global tea industry.
This special day is not just for tea fans, but also for those involved in every step of the tea-making process. International Tea Day gives us an opportunity to delve into and honour the many rituals and customs linked with this delightful drink across the world.
History of International Tea Day
Hailing from the southwestern regions of China, tea first made an appearance over 4,000 years ago. Initially, it was consumed as a medicinal beverage. Its therapeutic qualities are believed to have been first recognized by Shen Nong, a legendary Chinese emperor from the 3rd millennium BC. It only became a familiar drink in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
The custom of tea-drinking gradually extended to other East Asian nations before making its way to the West in the 16th century. This was largely due to Portuguese priests and traders residing in China who introduced it to Europe. Subsequently, the Dutch embarked on a large-scale importation of tea, making it a popular drink among the upper echelons of Dutch society. In contrast, Britain was somewhat slow to embrace tea. It was the arrival of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese queen of King Charles II, and her fondness for tea that made it a British custom in the 17th century.
The British connection to tea led to its widespread cultivation in their colonies. Aimed at breaking the Chinese tea monopoly, British colonialists introduced tea plantations in India. Increased global demand for tea in the 19th century led to the establishment of tea plantations in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon).
In today’s world, the significance of tea is celebrated globally on May 21 as International Tea Day, as recognized by the United Nations. Originally celebrated on December 15 in tea producing nations such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India, and Tanzania, the UN in 2019 shifted the celebration to May 21. The idea behind this was to underscore the importance of tea beyond just a beverage, recognizing its cultural importance, and its role in rural development, sustainable living, and the global economy.
International Tea Day Timeline
Discovery of Tea
According to legend, Chinese Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when a leaf fell into his boiling water.
Tea becomes popular in China
During Han Dynasty in China, tea drinking become popular among the Chinese people.
Tea Drinking Culture Burgeons
During the Tang Dynasty tea becomes a part of daily life and culture and an entire ceremony was built around its preparation and consumption.
First Shipment of Tea to Europe
Dutch traders brought the first shipment of tea to Europe from China, it later became a major import via the Dutch East India Company.
Tea Introduced to Britain
Thomas Garway, a coffee house in London, began selling tea making it popular in Britain.
The Boston Tea Party
A protest against the British government's Tea Act, American colonists dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
Invention of Iced Tea
Richard Blechynden invents iced tea at the World's Fair in St. Louis.
Invention of Tea bags
New York tea merchant Thomas Sullivan accidentally invents tea bags when he sends tea to clients in small silk bags, and they unknowingly steep the whole bag.
Ideas to Celebrate International Tea Day
Host a Virtual Tea Party
Invite your friends and family to a virtual tea party. Everyone can prepare their favorite tea and share why they love it during the online meeting. They can also share any special rituals or traditions related to tea drinking in their culture.
Create a DIY Tea Tasting
Explore a variety of teas from around the world by hosting your own at-home tea tasting. You can order teas online from various countries and prepare them. Take notes on the taste, aroma, and appearance of each one, and compare notes with friends or family who are participating.
Host a Tea-Infused Cooking Challenge
Challenge yourself and your friends to a day of cooking with tea. Everyone can pick a recipe that uses tea as the main flavor and then share the results on social media. Not only will this be a fun cooking challenge, but it will also expose you to new ways to use tea.
Discover the History of Tea
Use this day to learn about the history of tea. Explore how it was discovered, trade routes, the different types of tea, and the cultural significance of tea in various societies. Share these learnings with friends and on social media to encourage others to appreciate the beautiful history of tea.
Plant a Tea Plant
If you have a green thumb, why not try growing your own tea plant? Certain types of tea plants can be grown in apartments or homes. Plant one on International Tea Day and nurture it, watching your very own tea plant grow over time.
Support Local Tea Shops
Visit and buy from a local tea shop to support small businesses. Many of these shops source their teas directly from farmers, so by supporting them, you are also supporting the livelihood of tea farming communities around the world.
8 Interesting Facts About Tea
Tea and Healthy Antioxidants
Tea is a great source of antioxidants. These are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules, reducing bodily damage from free radicals and potentially warding off diseases like cancer.
Most consumed Beverage
After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world.
Different Colors, One Plant
Despite the various types, all tea comes from the same basic plant, the Camellia Sinensis plant. The differences between teas arise from how the plant’s leaves are processed.
Time for Tea
Tea can be enjoyed at any time, but traditionally, Brits drink tea at four in the afternoon. This is known as 'Afternoon Tea' or 'Tea Time'. Traditionally it is served with sandwiches and light snacks.
The Most Expensive Tea
The world's most expensive tea is a rare Chinese tea called Da-Hong Pao. Over $1.2 million was paid for just 20g of this tea at an auction. Its hefty price tag is because the tea bushes it comes from are virtually extinct.
Tea Bags Invention
Initially, tea bags were accidentally invented in the early 20th century. They were only meant to be samples of tea sent to customers.
So many Cups Daily
The International Tea Committee estimates that, globally, about 7 million metric tons of tea are produced each year, which results in close to four billion cups of tea per day.
Tea and Caffeine
Even though it has less caffeine than coffee, black tea holds more caffeine than any other types of tea.
International Tea Day FAQs
Next International Tea Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 21st | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 21st | Tuesday |
| 2025 | May 21st | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 21st | Thursday |
| 2027 | May 21st | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every May 21st | |
International Tea Day Word Search
- Beverage
- Tea
- Culture
- Ceremony
- Brewing
- Green