International Tea Day

International Tea Day: A Celebration of Culture and Sustainability

International Tea Day is a global observance dedicated to celebrating tea’s cultural, economic, and social significance. It highlights tea’s role in promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and fostering global unity. This day also raises awareness about the challenges faced by tea producers and workers worldwide.

Quick Facts

When is it? May 21
Tagged as: Cultural, Economic, Environmental
What’s the hashtag? #InternationalTeaDay
When was it founded? 2005 (officially adopted by the UN in 2019)
Who founded it? Proposed by tea-producing countries and later adopted by the United Nations

History of International Tea Day

The idea of International Tea Day originated in 2005 during the World Social Forum in New Delhi. Initially celebrated on December 15 in tea-producing countries like India and Sri Lanka, it aimed to address issues like fair trade and workers’ rights. In 2019, the United Nations officially recognized May 21 as International Tea Day to align with sustainability goals and promote global awareness of tea’s importance.

Timeline

2737 BC: Chinese Emperor Shen Nung discovers tea accidentally.
1610: Tea is introduced to Europe by Dutch traders.
1773: The Boston Tea Party protests British taxation.
2005: The first International Tea Day is celebrated in New Delhi.
2019: The UN officially adopts May 21 as International Tea Day.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 21	Wednesday
2026	May 21	Thursday
2027	May 21	Friday
2028	May 21	Sunday
2029	May 21	Monday
2030	May 21	Tuesday

Observed

International Tea Day is observed globally with events like tea tastings, cultural performances, seminars on sustainable practices, and social media campaigns promoting tea’s heritage.

Fun Facts About Tea

Tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide after water.
The oldest known tea tree is over 3,200 years old in China.
There are over 1,500 types of tea globally.

Quiz

When is International Tea Day celebrated?
Which country is believed to have discovered tea?
What hashtag is used for this day on social media?

(Answers: 1. May 21; 2. China; 3. #InternationalTeaDay)

FAQs

Q: Why was May 21 chosen for International Tea Day?
A: It aligns with the spring harvest season when high-quality teas are produced.

Q: What is the main goal of this day?
A: To promote sustainable production and consumption of tea while raising awareness about its cultural and economic significance.

Q: Who benefits from this celebration?
A: Workers, growers, and communities dependent on the tea industry benefit from increased awareness and support.

Importance of International Tea Day

This day emphasizes tea’s role in connecting cultures, supporting livelihoods in developing countries, and promoting sustainability. It also sheds light on challenges like climate change and fair trade practices in the industry.