On a quiet morning, a rainy afternoon, or during a heartfelt conversation—tea is always there. More than just a drink, tea is tradition, connection, culture, and comfort in a cup. That’s why every year, on May 21, the world celebrates International Tea Day, and 2025 is no different.
Let’s raise our cups to explore the soul-soothing history, the global significance, and the reason why tea is so much more than just leaves in hot water.
History of International Tea Day
The origins of International Tea Day go back to December 2005, when it was first celebrated in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, and other tea-producing countries. It was meant to recognize the contribution of tea workers and farmers, and to raise awareness of fair trade practices.
In 2019, the United Nations officially recognized May 21 as International Tea Day, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), giving it global importance. The date was chosen to mark the beginning of the tea harvesting season in many countries.
Since then, it’s not just a celebration of the beverage, but a global reminder of the lives, cultures, and economies that depend on it.
Why Is International Tea Day Celebrated?
Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. But this day is about much more than just sipping your favorite brew:
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☘️ To acknowledge the labor of millions of workers, particularly women, who work on tea plantations
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🌱 To promote sustainable production and consumption
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💚 To support rural development and livelihoods in developing nations
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☕ To appreciate tea’s cultural, medicinal, and economic importance
Importance & Significance of Tea
1. Economic Lifeline
Tea farming is the primary source of income for millions of smallholder farmers in countries like India, China, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
2. Cultural Heritage
From British afternoon tea to Japanese tea ceremonies and Chinese Gongfu Cha—tea is culture steeped in tradition.
3. Health Benefits
Tea is packed with antioxidants, boosts immunity, aids digestion, and promotes relaxation.
4. Sustainability
Global efforts now aim to ensure tea is grown, processed, and traded fairly and sustainably.
5. Workers’ Rights
International Tea Day also focuses on empowering tea workers, improving wages, and ensuring better living and working conditions.
READ MORE: World Meditation Day
International Tea Day Theme 2025
While the FAO will officially declare the theme closer to the date, a fitting and forward-thinking theme could be:
🌱 “Sustainable Brews, Stronger Communities” 🌍
This theme emphasizes the need for eco-conscious tea farming, fair wages, and climate-resilient agriculture to secure the future of tea for generations.
Heartwarming Quotes About Tea
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“Tea is the magic key to the vault where my brain is kept.” – Frances Hardinge
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“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C.S. Lewis
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“Tea is quiet and our thirst for tea is never far from our craving for wisdom.” – James Norwood Pratt
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“A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” – Ken Cohen
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“Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back, and appreciate our surroundings.” – Letitia Baldrige
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“Where there’s tea, there’s hope.” – Arthur Wing Pinero
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“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh
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“Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.” – Catherine Douzel
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“Tea… is a religion of the art of life.” – Kakuzō Okakura
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“Tea is the elixir of life.” – Lao Tzu
How to Celebrate International Tea Day
Whether you’re a casual chai lover or a tea connoisseur, here are beautiful ways to mark the day:
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Brew a tea from a different country — try Japanese matcha, Moroccan mint tea, Chinese oolong, or Indian masala chai.
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Host a tea-tasting party with friends or co-workers and share tea trivia.
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Support fair-trade tea brands that prioritize ethical sourcing.
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Learn about the history of tea in various cultures.
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Visit a local tea estate or take a virtual tour.
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Plant a tea herb (like mint or lemongrass) in your garden or balcony.
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Share a post on social media using hashtags like #InternationalTeaDay, #SipSustainably, and #TeaTogether.
FAQ on International Tea Day
1. When is International Tea Day celebrated?
🗓️ It is celebrated annually on May 21.
2. Who started International Tea Day?
Initially started in 2005 by tea-producing countries. The UN officially adopted it in 2019.
3. Why was May 21 chosen?
It marks the beginning of the tea harvesting season in many tea-producing countries.
4. What is the purpose of this day?
To promote sustainable tea production, recognize tea workers, and celebrate tea’s global cultural impact.
5. Is International Tea Day the same as National Tea Day in the UK?
No. The UK celebrates National Tea Day on April 21, while International Tea Day is May 21.
6. What are some health benefits of tea?
Tea helps in boosting immunity, reducing stress, aiding digestion, and lowering blood pressure.
7. Which countries are the top producers of tea?
China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka are among the largest producers globally.
8. Can tea farming be sustainable?
Yes! Many brands are now focused on organic cultivation, reducing water usage, and fair labor practices.
9. Is all tea made from the same plant?
Yes. Most traditional teas—green, black, oolong, and white—come from the Camellia sinensis plant.
10. How can I support the cause behind International Tea Day?
By choosing ethically sourced tea, spreading awareness, and supporting smallholder tea farmers.
Final Sip: Let Tea Bring Us Together
In a world of differences, tea unites us. It’s brewed in clay cups, porcelain teapots, roadside stalls, and royal palaces. On International Tea Day 2025, let’s do more than just drink tea. Let’s celebrate the communities who grow it, the cultures that cherish it, and the quiet moments that tea gives us every single day.
So wherever you are, take a pause, pour a cup, and raise it high—
Here’s to peace, people, and the power of tea.
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