International Tea Day is celebrated on December 15 in many tea-producing countries. It honors tea, the world's most consumed drink after water, and the millions of farmers and workers who grow and harvest it. The day was started in 2005 to draw attention to tea workers' wages and conditions. The United Nations also recognizes a separate International Tea Day on May 21. Either way, it's a great excuse to brew a cup and learn where your tea comes from.
History of International Tea Day
According to Chinese legend, Emperor Shennong discovered tea around 2737 BC when leaves blew into his boiling water. Whether or not the story is true, tea has been grown and enjoyed in China for thousands of years. Buddhist monks carried tea to Japan, and Dutch and Portuguese traders brought it to Europe in the 1600s.
Tea became hugely popular in Britain, and the British East India Company built a massive trade. In the 1800s, the British established tea plantations in India and Sri Lanka, often relying on low-paid laborers. Today, China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are among the largest tea producers.
In 2005, trade unions and civil society groups in tea-producing countries, including India and Sri Lanka, began observing International Tea Day on December 15 to highlight fair wages and working conditions. In 2019, the UN General Assembly declared May 21 as an official International Tea Day to promote sustainable tea production.
Why International Tea Day Matters
Tea supports the livelihoods of millions of small farmers and workers, especially in Asia and Africa.
The day highlights the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions and sustainable farming.
Tea is also part of cultural traditions worldwide, from Japanese tea ceremonies and British afternoon tea to Indian chai and Moroccan mint tea.
How to Celebrate International Tea Day
- Brew a new tea: try green, oolong, black or white tea.
- Choose fair trade: look for certified teas.
- Host a tea tasting: compare teas from different countries.
- Learn tea traditions: explore tea ceremonies around the world.
- Make chai: brew spiced tea with milk.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a tea tasting or afternoon tea break can be a calming winter treat. In classrooms, students can map tea-growing countries, learn about the Boston Tea Party, or compare tea traditions. At home, families can host a tea party, brew herbal or caffeine-free teas for children, or learn to make chai together. Let hot drinks cool before giving them to young children.
Fun Facts About International Tea Day
- Tea is the world's most consumed drink after water.
- International Tea Day on December 15 began in 2005.
- The UN declared May 21 as International Tea Day in 2019.
International Tea Day FAQs
When is International Tea Day?
International Tea Day is celebrated on December 15 in many tea-producing countries; the UN observes it on May 21.
Why was International Tea Day created?
Tea-producing countries' unions and groups started it in 2005 to highlight tea workers' conditions.
Where did tea originate?
Tea originated in China thousands of years ago.
What are the main types of tea?
White, green, oolong, black and pu-erh teas all come from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Which countries produce the most tea?
China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are among the largest producers.
Is herbal tea really tea?
Herbal 'teas' are infusions of other plants and don't contain Camellia sinensis.