International Tea Day is observed every year on 15 December in in tea producing countries | Image Source: UN.org
International Tea Day is observed every year on 15 December in in tea producing countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, and Tanzania. It aims to get attention of people and government about impact of global tea trade on worker, producers and invite support for fair trade. Tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water.
As per United Nations, International Tea Day is observed annually on 21 May.
Tea & banana waste used to develop non-toxic activated carbon
History of International Tea Day
Tea is thought to have originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, but it’s not clear where exactly it grew. We’ve had tea for a long time. Tea was consumed 5,000 years ago in China.
The Dutch traded tea across the globe to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a widely traded commodity thanks to the East India Company. The rest is history.
In addition to its taste and benefits, tea contributes to culture and socioeconomic development. Tea is grown in over 35 countries and supports the livelihoods of over 13 million people.
In 2005, trade unions started International Tea Day to celebrate tea’s health benefits, economic importance, and cultural heritage, all while ensuring more sustainable production from fields to cups. Bringing together civil society organizations and small tea growers, this holiday will regulate unfair competition, safety regulations, land occupation, social security, living wages, and women’s rights.
Seminars, public campaigns, and presentations are usually held. It’s about strengthening the tea growers’ associations. Tea enthusiasts also celebrate tea culture in addition to recognizing tea as a big export crop.