While tea has become a commodity, it serves as an important tradition with cultural significance dating back thousands of years. Tea is a staple drink in almost all countries around the world and is served in different manners depending on the culture.
Wednesday, May 21, celebrates International Tea Day. This decades old tradition has only been recognized across the world recently, however, its recognition is more common in places where the ingredients for tea are harvested. Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia and Uganda have celebrated International Tea Day since 2005 and proposed the day in 2019. Previously, it was celebrated on December 15, long before the United Nations (UN) accepted the tradition. The first International Tea Day was acknowledged by the UN on May 21, 2020, only six years ago.
A report from World Population Review titled “Tea Consumption by Country” with data from 2022 notes that Sri Lanka is the country that leads the world in most tea consumption with the average person drinking 48 kilograms (105lbs) of tea per year. The countries that follow are Argentina, Turkey and Paraguay.
In China, tea culture dates to 2000 BC. It was first known for medicinal purposes and later for personal consumption. In Chinese culture, one of the most known ways of enjoying tea is with a ceremony called Gonfu Cha, which translates to, “making tea with skills.” The ceremony and preparation last about 20 to 25minutes and is concluded by allowing the guests to drink it in three sips. The most common type of tea that is utilized in this ceremony is oolong tea which was popularized in China during the Qing Dynasty.
Around the ninth century, tea spread from China to neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea and eventually farther east to Turkey, Egypt and among others. One country widely known for its tea is India. Chai comes from the word “cha” which is the Chinese word for tea. To make chai, tea leaves are brewed first with spices and then again with milk and sugar, leaving a strong and aromatic taste.
From Japan, one of the most popular types of tea is matcha. It is usually prepared in a ceremony called Chanoyu or Sado which directly translates to “hot water for tea.” This ritual focuses on the principles of harmony, tranquility, purity and respect for the tea and its preparation process. The ceremony usually takes place in a specific tearoom or surrounding gardens to invoke tranquility from the chaos of the outside.
In Morocco, the most traditional form that tea in served is during a tea ceremony known as “Atay Naa Naa.” The preparation of the tea is done in front of the guests and the variety of tea served is Chinese green tea known as Special Gunpowder. The tea is often a bit sweeter with a minty taste, and guests are offered a total of three cups as a sign of hospitality.
If you are a tea lover, there are many places near campus where you can enjoy a nice cup. A popular spot that serves bubble tea and also smoothies and food, is ShareTea, located in downtown Bothell. If you are looking for a more local and experienced tea spot, Lizzie Kate in Kirkland is the place to go. They offer a wide variety of teas at a great price, not to mention that they are always hosting events for customers to learn how to brew their own tea at home. If you are looking for Taiwanese tea, Hechalou Tea House in Lynwood brings together traditional aspects of tea culture with more innovative tastes inspired by the pacific northwest. International Tea Day is a great day to branch out from the commodified versions of tea and try traditional and cultural ways of drinking tea instead. No matter what your favorite way of enjoying tea is, it is the perfect opportunity to bond over a shared love of the drink.
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