National Hot Tea Day

Did ancient cultures believe tea had mystical powers?

Ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures revered tea for its calming properties, often linking it to meditation.

In China, monks used tea to maintain alertness during long meditation sessions, while Japanese tea ceremonies grew from Zen Buddhist practices for achieving harmony and mindfulness.

How did tea become a part of Russian culture?

Tea entered Russia through trade with China in the 1600s, and soon, the samovar became a fixture in Russian households.

This large metal urn allowed tea to stay hot for hours, fostering social gatherings and long discussions over tea, a custom that endures today.

What’s the story behind the British tradition of “afternoon tea”?

In the 1840s, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, popularized afternoon tea as a solution to hunger between lunch and dinner.

She began inviting friends for tea and small snacks, and the tradition spread among the British elite, soon becoming a formal social event with finger sandwiches and pastries.

Do any superstitions surround tea?

Yes! In the U.K., spilling tea while pouring is said to bring good luck and wealth.

In Ireland, leftover tea leaves at the bottom of the cup can be used to predict the future through tasseography, or tea-leaf reading, which remains a common form of fortune-telling.

How do people celebrate National Hot Tea Day around the world?

National Hot Tea Day is celebrated mainly in the U.S., but tea lovers worldwide enjoy their own tea customs.

In Japan, some people might observe the day with a small tea ceremony. In the U.K., tea parties are common, while in India, families gather to share masala chai.

What’s the most unusual tea flavor around the world?

Lapsang Souchong from China has a smoky, bacon-like flavor due to pinewood drying. Tibetan yak butter tea, thick and salty, is enjoyed for its warmth and calorie-rich profile, perfect for the Tibetan plateau’s cold climate.

Is tea always seen as a calming drink?

Not everywhere! In Morocco, tea is a sign of hospitality, and hosts pour tea from a height to create bubbles as a mark of respect.

In Russia, tea gatherings around the samovar can turn lively, with friends and family engaging in animated discussions over multiple rounds of tea.

Did tea play any role in historic revolutions?

Tea played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.

During the Boston Tea Party in 1773, American colonists protested British taxes by throwing tea into Boston Harbor, an act that increased tensions with Britain and contributed to the push for independence.

Are there any myths about the origins of tea?

According to Chinese legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea in 2737 B.C. when leaves from a tea plant blew into his boiling water, creating a refreshing drink.

This story is often told to explain tea’s accidental but fortunate discovery.

What’s the secret behind Turkish tea’s unique taste?

Turkish tea, or “çay,” uses two stacked kettles. The lower kettle boils water, while the upper brews concentrated tea.

This creates a rich, strong tea often served in tulip-shaped glasses with sugar cubes, a custom unique to Turkey.