International Tea Day in 2022: the history and traditions of the holiday
The fragrant drink is so popular that two dates are dedicated to it in the holiday calendar. We tell about the history of their appearance and popular traditions on Tea Day

The saying “You don’t drink tea, where do you get your strength from?” known to many since childhood. In terms of its popularity, the fragrant drink on the planet is second only to water. The history of tea can be traced through various legends and tales of different peoples of the world, its mention in official history.

” Healthy Food Near Me” understands which date is usually called International Tea Day, and which is considered unofficial, and also tells about popular traditions. You decide when to celebrate Tea Day in 2022.

What date is International Tea Day in 2022?

The official date on the calendar appeared recently. On November 26, 2019, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 May International Tea Day.

Why did international diplomats pay attention to this drink at all? It turns out there is an economic reason. Tea producers are sounding the alarm: sales are falling, demand is low even in countries that traditionally supply tea around the world. And this seriously affects the well-being of citizens. This is how they explain their interest in tea at the UN.

But there is another “tea” date – 15 December. It appeared on the calendar not by chance: this day was chosen to celebrate the Day of Tea at international public forums in Indian Mumbai (2004) and Brazilian Porto Alegre (2005). By the way, the winter holiday has taken root more in Our Country. 

But both May and December dates are a good occasion to arrange a feast with friends and family to savor various types of tea with your favorite sweets.

Interesting facts about tea

Homeland of teaChina
When did you first start drinking tea?III millennium BC
Varieties of teaBlack, red, green, matcha (or matcha), white, yellow, blue, oolong, pu-erh, mate, rooibos, hibiscus
What do they drink tea with?The most popular spice for tea is sugar. Also, cardamom, star anise, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, aromatic herbs and flower petals can be added to the drink. Many people like tea with berries or pieces of fruit. Often the drink is flavored with milk or cream, sometimes diluted with juice, and some nations have a tradition of drinking tea with butter and salt. As a treat for tea, various sweets and pastries are usually served. But if you prefer sausage – please.

The History of Tea Day

Tea is one of the most ancient drinks. One of the first emperors of China, Shen Nong, in the third millennium BC, according to legend, came up with the idea of ​​dipping fragrant leaves in boiling water to heal. However, no one knows for sure where they first began to grow and drink tea: in China or India. Both countries claim to be the homeland of the tart fragrant drink.

In Europe, tea took root only 400 years ago. In Britain, there was even a special “Tea Law” that allowed them to profitably trade this exotic product around the world. In the 15th century, when the world was shaking from revolutions and wars of liberation, one of the protests was called the Boston Tea Party: the Americans simply destroyed a batch of English goods, throwing all the tea from the ships into the sea. As a result, they adopted the World Declaration of the Rights of Tea Workers. And much later that day, on December XNUMX, the Day of Tea was approved.

Traditions of International Tea Day

As conceived by the UN, the celebration of the May International Tea Day is intended to “promote” a tasty and healthy drink, to contribute to the struggle of developing countries against hunger and poverty.

In producing countries, they know how to celebrate the day of the national product. 

For example, they arrange excursions to the production and tasting of different varieties. Such a clever marketing ploy was quickly adapted by various suppliers, shops and cafes where they love tea. And here is a life hack: on Tea Day in 2022, you can profitably buy a portion of your favorite variety in stores that often coincide with discount promotions on these dates. 

Do not forget about folk traditions, which are in no way tied to political events. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, who honor their customs, arrange tea ceremonies full of mysteries and wise mysteries. To attend such an event means to touch the old etiquette.

And in Our Country, it has long been a favorite tradition to gather at the samovar with the whole family and treat themselves to hot tea with delicacies. So, for a cup of aromatic drink, you can sit for hours. If sitting at home is boring, you can go to an exhibition or master class, visit a seminar on the “tea” theme or a store in search of promotions or new varieties. Such events are often held on Tea Day.

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Popular questions and answers

It would seem that the most common product that is in any kitchen – and there are so many secrets and mysteries, political intrigues around it. Here are some more interesting facts that are useful to know if you are also planning to celebrate International Tea Day.

What country produces Ceylon tea?

Ceylon tea is grown in Sri Lanka. The island is located in the Indian Ocean, not far from the southern coast of India. Until 1972, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was called Ceylon – hence the name of the variety.

Blue tea – what is it from? Does it contain dyes?

This variety, little known in Our Country, is made from the buds of the herbaceous vine Clitoria trifoliate. The flowers are a rich blue, almost aquamarine – and the drink gets the same shade. Blue tea contains many nutrients and no caffeine.

Which of the artists expressively depicted the process of tea drinking?

If the “Boston Tea Party” is known across the ocean, then the s are accustomed to tea drinking in Mytishchi. The picture under this name was painted by the artist Vasily Perov. Another domestic master painter Boris Kustodiev addressed the topic of tea drinking.

What countries other than China can claim to be the birthplace of tea?

These are former British colonies located in South Asia. Tea plants are grown in many parts of India, Bengal, in the north-west of Myanmar (the former name of Burma). Since the first millennium BC, the peoples of these places have used tea leaves for medicinal purposes.

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