International Tea Day

On International Tea Day, tea lovers around the world celebrate one of the oldest and most beloved drinks made from the leaves of the tea plant. This popular beverage can even give coffee a run for its money! The holiday is not only for those who enjoy drinking tea, but also honors everyone involved in bringing tea from the field to your cup.

History

Tea is believed to have originated in China, where legend says Emperor Shen Nong discovered it about 4000 years ago. According to the story, while his servants were boiling water during a walk, leaves from a nearby tea tree fell into the pot. The pleasant aroma led to the discovery of tea.

In 1615, a Portuguese port received a shipment containing a mysterious “black dust” that most Europeans had only heard about in stories. China initially kept its tea a secret, and for centuries, only the wealthy could enjoy it.

International Tea Day has been observed since 2005, with events, campaigns, and presentations held to raise awareness about tea workers and the challenges they face, such as safety standards, fair wages, and competition.

Interesting Facts

• There are over 1,500 varieties of tea worldwide.
• Until the 17th century, tea was only available in green.
• About 15,000 cups of tea are consumed globally every second.
• Some types of tea actually have more caffeine than coffee.
• Tea was once used as currency in certain countries.

How to Take Part

Celebrate International Tea Day by starting your morning with a fresh cup of tea. Invite family or friends to join you and try different tea varieties together. Explore new flavors and compare them with your favorites. You can also support local tea producers by purchasing their products.

When is International Tea Day in 2025?

International Tea Day is observed on December 15 each year.

Observations