Matrix Report
My day begins with a nicely brewed cup of tea every morning. Does it start the same way for you?
International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21, according to the United Nations. Lets try to explore what this beverage is all about and why a day is dedicated to this beverage!
Tea, it is believed is the world’s most consumed drink, after water. It is a beverage we have at breakfast, during a break at work and in the afternoon after returning from work with family.
Tea also has cultural significance in many societies. We offer it to our guests as a welcome gesture. Families have tea when they plan to sit and discuss family issues, tea parties are arranged for special occasions, we go out for a cup of tea with friends and the list goes on!
Tea is made from the Camellia sinesis plant. It has been with us for a long time. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago. It is believed that tea originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known.
For millions of poor people living in a number of under-developed and developing countries, tea is often the main means of subsistence. Poor families, when they cannot afford a proper meal, they have their lunch and or dinner with some bread and a cup of tea.
Why is the tea day celebrated?
The International Tea Day aims to raise awareness of the long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world.The goal of the day is to promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
International Tea Day aims to draw global attention of governments and citizens to the impact of the global tea trade on workers and growers, and has been linked to requests for price supports and fair trade.
Tea consumption scientists say can bring health benefits and wellness due to the beverage’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight loss effects.
The first International Tea Day was celebrated in New Delhi in 2005.
