It was almost two years ago, on December 10 th 2019, when the United Nations introduced
May 21 st as International Tea Day. Many years have gone by until the cultural and historical
significance of tea was finally acknowledged, although it has been on our disposal for
hundreds of years.
Long before the United Nations took this decision, India had started celebrating International
Tea Day “unofficially” early in 2005. It took place every year on December 15 th . In this
celebration many other countries participated, such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Uganda.
However, in 2015, these countries sent a request to the U.N. for the official establishment of
International Tea Day that would be celebrated worldwide. The U.N. thought that May was
the most appropriate month to accommodate this international day since tea production
usually begins then in most countries.
Why celebrate International Tea Day?
According to the U.N., tea is the most consumed drink after water worldwide. There are also
indications that tea was consumed in China almost 5,000 years ago. Today, the cultivation
and production of tea is considered the main source of income for many families in the
developing countries.
Thus, the significance of this day does not only lie in the fact that tea benefits humans with its
healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contributes to a country’s wealth and prosperity,
help agricultural development and fight poverty and hunger.
How is tea production affected by climate change?
Another reason to dedicate a special day to tea only, is the fact that in recent years, tea
production has been repeatedly affected by the continuous climate change. Sudden rains,
floods, random temperature shifts or droughts are some of the weather phenomena that
negatively affect tea production. Now more than ever, countries are asked to face another
environmental challenge.
The herbs you can try on this very special day
Here is SARISTI, we take tea very seriously. Therefore, we make sure to celebrate this
international day properly with our organic herbal teas. These may give you a great
opportunity to explore herbs in depth. For example, Damiana is a herb that helps a person’s
mental health with its antidepressant properties. On the other hand, Linden, which you will
find on our Relax blend, is considered as a therapeutic and soothing herb for centuries now.
Finally, Dandelion is full of vitamins and nutritional elements, a fact that renders it ideal to
invigorate body and mind.
