National Tea Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 18, 2022
The history of National Tea Day is interesting.

Where is National Tea Day celebrated?

Because tea has become such a popular drink in modern times and comes from a diversity of sources and civilizations, National Tea Day has been designated for a handful of occasions. Most popularly, the United Kingdom celebrates April 21 as its National Tea Day.

Who is National Tea Day celebrated by?

National Tea Day is celebrated by all tea lovers living in the UK and even beyond. The day is widely celebrated in the UK with much elation and enthusiasm. It is well-known that the British are known for their fondness for the hot drink, and it is they who founded the day.

When did National Tea Day first start?

Even though afternoon tea has been popular in the United Kingdom since the mid-19th century, National Tea Day was not established until considerably later. The day was only recently established in 2016 on Queen Elizabeth II's birthday as a chance to enjoy a favorite beverage.

Who started National Tea Day?

It's not precisely known who the founders of the day were, but it would be safe to assume that they were British, since the day is widely celebrated as a holiday in many parts of the United Kingdom.

History And Timelines

While the purpose of National Tea Day is to encourage people all around the world to drink more tea and do so all year, we can't help but think of the renowned British afternoon tea. Let's take a look at a brief timeline of events related to this day.

Traditions And Customs

The most common tradition of National Tea Day is to drink teas of various types. Another important tradition is hosting the annual 'Fes-Tea-Val,' where people bring together the best of the tea business under one roof.

The famous event features the most recent brews, master mixologists of various types of teas, and the most up-to-date tea brewing and serving equipment. The proceeds from such events are frequently allocated to charitable organizations.

On National Tea Day, it's customary to attend the festival with friends and family.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Tea Day

National Tea Day can be celebrated in many ways.

One of the most popular ways is to simply make and sip on a hot mug or cup of tea. There's a wide variety of tea available in the market, ranging from those that are softly dried and cured to those that are subjected to lengthy stays in caves.

There are so many various kinds and flavors of tea that it almost defies the imagination!

This day is a great opportunity to test a few different flavors. Tea is only regarded as real in some places if it's consumed hot.

But you can observe National Tea Day by drinking iced tea too. Some countries like the United States, have taken the concept of tea and converted it into a cold beverage. National Tea Day can be celebrated by enjoying the popular beverage; iced tea served in a large, tall glass with extra sweetness.

Another way to celebrate tea day is to attend the festival Fest-Tea-Val in the United Kingdom. Tea rooms, hotels, cafes, and pubs all throughout the country conduct unique events, promotions, and activities themed on the nation's favorite beverage on this particular day.

If you live outside the UK, you can make the occasion your very own and organize a tea party at your house, work, or in your neighborhood. An afternoon tea party with friends and family would be the perfect way to celebrate this day.

You can also do something different this National Tea Day and take up the sustainable tea challenge. Because most tea bags are made of plastic, many people are switching to loose leaf tea or, at the very least compostable tea bags. Give eco-friendly tea companies like Numi, Yogi, and Pukka a chance and help the world become more sustainable.

Facts And Stats

  • This drink is consumed by people all over the world, so this day is celebrated even outside the UK.
  • Apart from this day, there is a separate National Chai Day that is celebrated in the USA on September 21.
  • This day is also celebrated as World Creativity And Innovation Day; perhaps that's an indication for you to get creative and mix and brew your own tea.

The Discovery Of Tea

Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea (according to a very popular legendary tale) when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water.

2732 BC

Introduction Of Tea In Stores

Fortnum & Mason, an upscale department shop, developed a fantastic relationship with the beverage that continues to this day.

1707

The Most Expensive Tea Bag

PG Tips, a well-known British tea company, celebrated its 75th anniversary by asking a jeweler to create the world's most costly tea bag, set with 280 diamonds.

2005

Celebration Of Tea

The first British Fes-Tea-Val took place, with companies displaying the latest teas available in the market.

2017

Is there a National Tea Day?

Yes, the British celebrate National Tea Day every year on April 21.

Why is National Tea Day celebrated?

The United Kingdom commemorates National Tea Day to honor the drinking of tea.

What is the significance of National Tea Day?

The idea behind the day is to bring all tea lovers under one roof.

Who invented tea and when?

Tea originated nearly 5,000 years ago in ancient China. It's believed that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung. In 2732 BC, leaves from a wild tree fell into his pot of boiling water.

How do people celebrate National Tea Day?

People celebrate the day by drinking different varieties of tea, hosting tea parties, and attending the very popular annual tea festival, the Fest-Tea-Val.

Who started National Tea Day and when?

National Tea Day was established in 2016, but it is not known who the founder of the day is.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, April 20, 2020
  • Tuesday, April 20, 2021
  • Wednesday, April 20, 2022
  • Thursday, April 20, 2023
  • Saturday, April 20, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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