International Tea Day
While everyone loves a cup of tea, many of the workers and producers of that tea face poor conditions and pay. Help raise awareness and keep tea fair.
Position fair-trade and sustainable tea brands as ethical choices while driving awareness of worker welfare and premium product sales during International Tea Day.
- Switch to fair-trade tea this May—learn which brands truly support tea workers
- Host a virtual or in-person tea tasting featuring ethical, sustainable brands
- Bake and sell tea-infused treats to raise funds for tea-worker initiatives
- Spotlight the stories of tea producers from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other origins
The history of Tea Day dates back to actions taken by folks in New Dehli in 2005. The event was started to raise awareness about the needs of those working in the tea industry, and it was celebrated on December 15 of that year.
The following years saw national Tea Day events grow into other places like Sri Lanka, Nepal and additional tea-producing countries, happening alongside the growth of GlobalTea Conferences initiated by trade unions.
International Tea Day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019, and an even larger celebration took place on an international level the following May.
Its purposes were in alignment with different UN sustainability goals, such as the reduction of extreme poverty, the empowerment of women and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Learn About Your Favorite Tea Companies
If you’re a lover of tea, then do some research about some of your favorite companies. Try looking up tea brands that support fair trade, and possibly switch to those brands to make a difference in the way you buy products such as tea. Use the day’s hashtag to help recognize it as an official holiday and educate others about the tea industry if you’re interested.
Try a New Kind of Tea
You could also use International Tea Day to try a variety of tea you have never had before. Whether it is Rooibos tea from South Africa or an herbal tea blend from some other part of the world, get excited about this day by leaning into some new tastes in brewed tea.
Bake with Tea
Why not make some delicious baked green tea treats on International Tea Day and have a bake sale to raise money and awareness regarding working conditions in the tea industry? Green tea recipes are available in their abundance. People are actively searching for different ways to enjoy green tea. While green tea is delicious when simply mixed with hot water, there is nothing wrong with switching it up from time to time, especially on International Tea Day!
Host a Whimsical Tea Party
Invite friends and family for a charming tea gathering. Encourage guests to don vintage attire, creating an ambiance reminiscent of classic tea times. Serve a variety of teas accompanied by an assortment of pastries and finger sandwiches. This setting fosters delightful conversations and shared enjoyment.
Create Tea-Inspired Art
Unleash your creativity by crafting art inspired by tea. Paint or sketch your favorite teapot, design tea-themed greeting cards, or experiment with tea leaf reading illustrations. This artistic endeavor adds a personal touch to your celebration.
Share Your Tea Moments Online
Capture your tea-filled moments and share them on social media platforms. Use hashtags to connect with fellow enthusiasts worldwide. Sharing your experiences can inspire others to join in the celebration. International Tea Day Timeline2737 BCTea is discovered as a beverageLegend has it that Chinese Emperor Shen Nung is sitting beneath a tea tree while a servant boiled water for drinking. Some leaves fall into the cup and begin the practice of drinking what is now called “tea”.[1]1610Tea comes to EuropeIt is believed that the Dutch were the first to bring tea to Europe, just a few years prior to the introduction of coffee by Venetians.[1]1773The Boston Tea Party occursWith the intention of revolting against the high taxes levied by the British government without providing any voice, residents of Massachusetts throw tea into the Boston Harbor. “No taxation without representation” is the major complaint.[1]2004International Tea Day is created At the World Social Forum, International Tea Day is conceived and then celebrated the following years in New Delhi and Sri Lanka, then later in other tea-producing places like Nepal, Viet Nam, Bangladesh and others.[1]2019United Nations adopts International Tea Day After some years of advocating for its observance, International Tea Day is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the suggestion of the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea.[1]
Tea is discovered as a beverage
Legend has it that Chinese Emperor Shen Nung is sitting beneath a tea tree while a servant boiled water for drinking. Some leaves fall into the cup and begin the practice of drinking what is now called “tea”. [1]
Tea comes to Europe
It is believed that the Dutch were the first to bring tea to Europe, just a few years prior to the introduction of coffee by Venetians. [1]
The Boston Tea Party occurs
With the intention of revolting against the high taxes levied by the British government without providing any voice, residents of Massachusetts throw tea into the Boston Harbor. “No taxation without representation” is the major complaint. [1]
International Tea Day is created
At the World Social Forum, International Tea Day is conceived and then celebrated the following years in New Delhi and Sri Lanka, then later in other tea-producing places like Nepal, Viet Nam, Bangladesh and others. [1]
United Nations adopts International Tea Day
After some years of advocating for its observance, International Tea Day is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the suggestion of the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea. [1]