National Tea Day

Drinking tea after lunch is a beloved tradition among prim and proper Englishmen, and it’s also the focus of the festive event known as National Tea Day. This custom has spread to many countries, as people enjoy drinking tea for its rich taste, which invigorates, soothes, and stabilizes mood.

History

National Tea Day is celebrated on April 21. Do you know whose birthday this is? It’s the Queen of Great Britain! The date was not chosen by chance but intentionally to align with her birthday. Tea first appeared in China and later became popular in England. In the 17th century, a new queen of foreign origin married the British monarch and brought with her boxes filled with tea leaves. She drank it constantly, and soon high-ranking individuals took notice and began to emulate her. This foreign habit eventually became the foundation for a centuries-old English custom.

Interesting Facts

Various types of black and green tea are grown in regions of China and Japan.

1. In Asian countries, hot spices are often added to tea.
2. The British prefer drinking tea with milk, a tradition rooted in an aristocratic practice. In the past, tea was poured into porcelain cups for nobility and the royal family. These cups could crack from the high temperature of the hot tea. Adding milk allowed the tea to cool slightly, keeping the cups intact.
3. Special festivals are held where growers showcase new tea varieties, offering an opportunity to sample unusual flavors created from natural ingredients.

In many households, tea is enjoyed in the evenings while discussing the events of the day. Tea is also served during important negotiations and is often the first drink people have upon waking (unless coffee wins out). It’s time to make a cup of tea and enjoy this timeless beverage!

When is National Tea Day celebrated in 2025?

National Tea Day is observed on April 21 each year.

Observations