The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), on December 21, 2019 decided to celebrate the 21st of May as the International Tea Day. Isn’t it quite befitting? Tea is one of the oldest known beverages. I have been associated with this blog for quite some time now to know of the importance of this magical concoction. I call it magical, yes. To me, at least, it makes a lot of my stress and anxiety disappear. I also know that I am speaking for many others here.
Spring is the season of the first flush in most of the tea producing regions, Assam and Darjeeling being some of them. It is from March to May that the fresh new foliage flourishes giving the world its most exquisite of teas. This is one of the reasons for choosing May as the month to celebrate this extraordinary beverage. Here are a few quick bullets on the role tea assumes across the world-
Tea is tradition
From customs like the Yum cha in Hong Kong where families get together over tea and dumplings in the most traditional way to the immaculate Chanoyu of Japan where offering tea to guests is an acquired, and most specialised craft, tea is one of the most revered of traditions in many countries across the globe. In India, the simple act of offering guests with a cup of tea is one of the longest living traditions. For years, this beverage has been bringing families together. Tea has been ever present in woes and celebrations.
Tea is livelihood
From the tea-garden workers to owners, from the CEO’s of large tea companies, the biggest conglomerates in tea to small tea makers (who, by the way, makes the most delicious tea), the leaves that are rolled out of the machines and packaged in paper and plastic has given a lot of families their homes and food on their plates.
Tea is Friendship
Who can deny this? The innumerable times we have hung out with our friends over tea, talking about life may go amiss. But sometimes when we sit back and browse through the photographs of old memories, we must also take a bow to the cup of tea we had been holding in our hands before, after or during those moments that we created.
Tea an elixir
Be it black, or green or any herbal tisane, tea has been used as medicinal remedies since the beginning of time. Tea is given a religious status in China owing to its medicinal properties. It is and will continue to live as one of the most valuable beverages of all times.
Tea is an emotion
It would be an understatement to call tea an emotion. For tea lovers, tea is so much more. Frankly, I thank the winds that made those tea leaves blow into the hot water cup of the Chinese Emperor Shennong all those years back. We would not have known of tea, otherwise. Of course, humans, being humans, would have discovered it some way or the other. Still the serendipitous moment is appreciated. Can’t imagine life without tea, after all!!
So, it is only fair that tea should get its own day. A day to celebrate this age-old beverage brimming to its tip with medicinal values and tradition, it could also be called the potion that can brew memories. Here’s a tribute to Camellia sinensis. Happy International Tea Day to all!
