According to the United Nations, the International Tea Day is officially celebrated on 21st May every year. But it has celebrated annually on 15th December by major tea producing countries since 2005. So we are celebrating that day today.
As today tea is the most popular beverage in the world beating coffee! And overall it is the second most consumed drink in the world after water! So it definitely deserves to be celebrated twice in a year for its importance.
Today it is thr opportunity for all the tea lovers to come out and participate in the celebrations of their favorite drink for the occassion and recognize its importance in our world.
| Event | International Tea Day |
|---|---|
| Date | December 15, 2022 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Significance | The day honors tea and people's fondness for it |
| Observed by | World wide |
International Tea Day History:
The story of tea begins in China. According to legend, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water. Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, decided to try the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. The tree was a Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea. Later it was the Buddisht monks who first introduced tea outside of China into Japan when they went to study Buddhism in China. Since then tea drinking has become a vital part of Japanese culture which can be reflected in the famous tea drinking ceremony.
However, at this stage in the history of tea, Europe was rather lagging behind. In the latter half of the sixteenth century there are the first brief mentions of tea as a drink among Europeans. These are mostly from Portuguese who were living in the East as traders and missionaries. But although some of these individuals may have brought back samples of tea to their native country, it was not the Portuguese who were the first to ship back tea as a commercial import.This was done by the Dutch, who in the last years of the sixteenth century began to encroach on Portuguese trading routes in the East.
By the turn of the century they had established a trading post on the island of Java, and it was via Java that in 1606 the first consignment of tea was shipped from China to Holland. Tea soon became a fashionable drink among the Dutch, and from there spread to other countries in continental western Europe, but because of its high price it remained a drink for the wealthy. Another great impetus to tea drinking resulted from the end of the East India Company's monopoly on trade with China, in 1834. Before that date, China was the country of origin of the vast majority of the tea imported to Britain, but the end of its monopoly stimulated the East India Company to consider growing tea in India.
Tea bags were invented in America in the early twentieth century, but sales only really took off in Britain in the 1970s. Nowadays it would be hard for many tea-drinkers to imagine life without them. Started by trade unions in 2005, International Tea Day celebrates the health benefits, economic importance, and cultural heritage of tea, all the while ensuring a more sustainable production from fields to our cups. Bringing together civil society organizations and small tea growers and businesses, this holiday aims to regulate uneven competition, safety regulations, land occupation, social security, living wages, and women's rights for all tea workers.
International Tea Day Significance:
Tea is a beverage made from the Camellia sinesis plant. Tea is the world's most consumed drink, after water. It is believed that tea originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known. Tea has been with us for a long time. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago. Tea production and processing constitutes a main source of livelihoods for millions of families in developing countries and is the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, who live in a number of least developed countries.
The tea industry is a main source of income and export revenues for some of the poorest countries and, as a labour-intensive sector, provides jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. Tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, being one of the most important cash crops. Tea consumption can bring health benefits and wellness due to the beverage's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight loss effects. It also has cultural significance in many societies.
Tea production is highly sensitive to changes in growing conditions. Tea can only be produced in narrowly defined agro-ecological conditions and, hence, in a very limited number of countries, many of which will be heavily impacted by climate change. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, with more floods and droughts, are already affecting yields, tea product quality and prices, lowering incomes and threatening rural livelihoods. These climate changes are expected to intensify, calling for urgent adaptation measures for the sustainability of the tea industry of our world.
Therefore, tea-producing countries should integrate climate change challenges, both on the adaptation and mitigation front, into their national tea development strategies. As otherwise there will be serious consequences which can even create tea shortage across the world. And it becomes even more important when you realize that tea industry is also a large source of livelihood for a large number of people especially in developing countries, so failing it will severely affect these people. Hence this day puts focus and urges authorities over the world to implement sustainable model for better future of the tea industry.
International Tea Day Celebrations:
If you are a lover of tea, then do some research about some of your favorite companies. Try looking up tea brands that support fair trade, and possibly switch to those brands to make a difference in the way you buy products such as tea. Use the hashtag #internationalteaday to help recognize it as an official holiday and educate others about the tea industry if you're interested.
You could also use International Tea Day to try a variety of tea you have never had before. From mint to apple, to a whole fusion of assorted ingredients, try a new tea flavor! As by doing this it will also help you in making this day much more memorable for your life and who knows by doing so you might find your new favorite flavor of tea as well.
Why not make some delicious baked green tea treats on International Tea Day and have a bake sale to raise money and awareness regarding working conditions in the tea industry? Green tea recipes are available in their abundance. People are actively searching for different ways to enjoy green tea. While green tea is delicious when simply mixed with hot water, there is nothing wrong with switching it up from time to time, especially on International Tea Day!
International Tea Day FAQs:
1. When is International Tea Day celebrated?
International Tea Day is annually celebrated on 21st May officially. However it has been celebrated on 15th December by tea producing countries since 2005.
2. How to celebrate International Tea Day?
A great way to observe this day is by learning a bit more about the nations who produce tea for the world. Also, don't forget to order a cup of fair trade tea for one, or take a friend out to enjoy a cuppa together.
3. Which is the highest tea producing country?
China is the largest tea producer worldwide. Its varieties include black and green teas, along with other native specialty blends.