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International Tea Day aims to recognise the long history and cultural and economic significance of tea around the world and the important role it plays in rural development.
The first International Tea Day in India was held in New Delhi in 2005. (Image: Shutterstock)
International Tea Day 2024: Tea is one of the most popular beverages around the globe. Every year, we celebrate one of our favouirte beverages on December 15 as International Tea Day. The day aims to recognise the long history and cultural and economic significance of tea around the world and the important role it plays in rural development. Apart from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, and Tanzania are some of the popular tea-producing states.
Why Is Tea Day celebrated on December 15?
The first International Tea Day in India was held in New Delhi in 2005. Other tea-growing nations followed the lead and marked this day. While the celebration dates back to 2005, the United Nations established a new International Tea Day in 2019. They designated May 21 as International Tea Day and originated at the World Tea Conference. It commemorated the signing of the First International Tea Agreement in 2005.
International Tea Day: History
The beverage traces its roots about 5,000 years to China when Chinese Emperor Shen Nung is said to have discovered tea by chance. Taking refuge under a tree with his men, they were boiling water when tea leaves blown away by the wind fell into the pot, marking the accidental discovery. Tea has grown to become a cultural staple, with its effect spreading worldwide.
International Tea Day: Significance
The tea industry is a major source of income and export money for some developing countries, and being a labour-intensive sector, it creates jobs, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
Moreover, the need to be aware of the industry is very crucial, as tea production is extremely susceptible to variations in irrigation conditions.
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, including greater floods and droughts, have been affecting tea yields, product quality, and pricing, cutting earnings for rural communities.
International Tea Day Quotes
- “Tea is to the body as music is to the soul.” – Earlene Grey
- “Tea is the magic key to the vault where my brain is kept.” – Frances Hardinge
- ‘There is hope when there is tea.’ – Arthur Wing Pinero
- ‘Some individuals will claim that a cup of tea has a lot of poetry and lovely feeling.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- ‘Like tea, we don’t really understand our own strength until we are submerged in hot water.’ – Sister Busche
- “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete.” – Myoan Eisai
- ‘For the English, tea is just an indoor picnic.’ – Alice Walker
- ‘Tea will always be the preferred beverage of the cerebral, despite being mocked by people who are inherently course in their anxious sensitivities.’ – Thomas de Quincey
- ‘Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea.’ – Sydney Smith
- “The first sip is joy, the second is gladness, the third is serenity, the fourth is madness, the fifth is ecstasy.” – Jack Kerouac
International Tea Day- How To Celebrate
- Try tea tasting: Explore types of tea from across the world while learning about brewing processes
- Visit Tea Plantations: See how tea is produced and learn about sustainable growing techniques.
- Be aware of tea productions: Join discussions with tea experts and cultivators to understand the industry and business.
- Explore tea traditions: Learn about tea-consuming cultures from all over the world by visiting themed restaurants or tea-tasting events.
- Tea party: Invite your friends over for a party and catch up.
