National Hot Tea Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring the rich culture, history, diverse types, health benefits, and soothing qualities of tea. It encourages tea enthusiasts across the nation to raise their cups in appreciation of this beloved beverage.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 12th
- Tagged as: A day to celebrate and appreciate hot tea
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalHotTeaDay, #HotTeaMonth, #TeaTime
- When was it founded?: 2016
- Who founded it?: The Tea Council of the USA
History of National Hot Tea Day
Tea has been consumed for nearly 5,000 years, originating in ancient China around 2737 B.C. when, according to legend, tea leaves accidentally fell into Emperor Shen Nung’s pot of boiling water. This serendipitous event marked the beginning of tea drinking, which eventually spread across continents and cultures.
Tea was introduced to Western priests and merchants in China during the 16th century, with the first recorded shipment of tea by a European nation occurring in 1607 when the Dutch East India Company moved cargo from Macao to Java. By the late 17th century, tea had become a staple in English society, largely thanks to Catherine of Braganza, who brought the tea-drinking custom to England.
In 2016, the Tea Council of the USA established National Hot Tea Day to honor this ancient and beloved beverage, encouraging people to explore the vast world of hot tea, from robust black teas to fragrant herbal blends.
Timeline
- 2737 B.C.: Tea leaves fall into Emperor Shen Nung’s pot of boiling water
- 59 B.C.: First known reference to boiling tea in “The Contract for a Youth”
- 1607: First shipment of tea to Europe by the Dutch East India Company
- 1773: Boston Tea Party occurs when colonists destroy tea in protest
- 2016: National Hot Tea Day established by the Tea Council of the USA
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 12 | Monday |
| 2027 | January 12 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 12 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 12 | Friday |
| 2030 | January 12 | Saturday |
How National Hot Tea Day is Observed
National Hot Tea Day is celebrated through various activities, from cozy gatherings at home to tea-tasting events and workshops. People brew their favorite teas, try new flavors, and share their tea experiences on social media using dedicated hashtags. Some host traditional tea parties, complete with fine tea sets, tablecloths, and biscuits, while others use the day to learn about different tea varieties and brewing methods.
Fun Facts About National Hot Tea Day
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. It contains multiple health benefits, including improved digestion, antioxidants, reduced stress, and pain relief. Black tea has consistently been the most common type of tea consumed in the United States, though it’s mostly drunk as iced tea, particularly in the Southern states where “sweet tea” is iconic.
Quiz
- When was National Hot Tea Day established?
- What plant does traditional tea come from?
- What is the ideal temperature for drinking tea?
(Answers: 1. 2016, 2. Camellia sinensis, 3. Below 150°F or 65°C)
FAQs
What is the ideal temperature for tea?
The ideal temperature for drinking tea is below 150°F (65°C).
Is hot tea good for you?
Yes, tea contains multiple health benefits, including improved digestion, antioxidants, reduced stress, and pain relief.
Does tea have to be hot to taste good?
Science suggests that hot tea allows taste buds to better detect the subtleties of flavor, as colder temperatures make it harder to pick up on flavor nuances.
Importance of National Hot Tea Day
National Hot Tea Day serves as a reminder of tea’s significant cultural and historical impact worldwide. It celebrates not only the beverage itself but also the traditions and rituals surrounding tea drinking that bring people together. The day promotes awareness about tea’s positive attributes, including its health benefits, and encourages people to start the new year with a sound mind and body through the simple act of enjoying a cup of hot tea.
Related Celebrations
- National Hot Tea Month (January)
- International Tea Day (May 22nd)
- National Iced Tea Day (June 10th)
- British National Tea Day (April)