The document traces the history of tea, starting with its legendary origins involving the Chinese emperor Shen Nung and detailing significant events such as the introduction of tea to Europe in 1610 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773. It highlights the establishment of International Tea Day in 2004, which was later adopted by the United Nations in 2019. Additionally, it provides guidance on setting up a tea service and suggests various refreshments to accompany tea.

1. Sasikumar Natarajan - Educationalist & Hospitality Trainer
MAY 21.
INTERNATIONAL
TEA DAY

2. HISTORY OF TEA
The Legend
Let us start with the obligatory origin of tea story about how Chinese emperor, Shen Nung was
relaxing under a Camellia sinensis tree (yes the tea bushes if left unpruned grow into beautiful
trees but the quality of tea would not be that great) while his servant boiled drinking water in
a pot. Now picture this, a serene warm afternoon, a mild breeze and some leaves from the tea
plant fall into the pot of boiling water. The servant being a bit lazy decided not to boil another
pot of water but serve the great emperor the “water” as it were. Thus was served the first cup
of Afternoon tea and a tradition was born.
People in India will however swear that tea originated in India and was taken to China by
Indian Buddhist saint Bodhi dharma (who is accredited to be the founder of Zen Buddhism)
when he left to preach Buddhism in China. Another story that does the rounds is that of Bodhi
dharma cutting his eyelids off so that he wouldn't fall asleep while meditating, and from these
severed eyelids sprang forth the first tea plants. lting drink was what we now call tea.

3. 2737 BC
•Tea is discovered as a beverage
•Legend has it that Chinese Emperor Shen Nung is sitting beneath a tea tree while a servant boiled water for drinking. Some leaves fall into
the cup and begin the practice of drinking what is now called “tea”
1610
•Tea comes to Europe
•It is believed that the Dutch were the first to bring tea to Europe, just a few years prior to the introduction of coffee by Venetians
1773
•The Boston Tea Party occurs
•With the intention of revolting against the high taxes levied by the British government without providing any voice, residents of
Massachusetts throw tea into the Boston Harbor. “No taxation without representation” is the major complaint.
2004
•International Tea Day is created
•At the World Social Forum, International Tea Day is conceived and then celebrated the following years in New Delhi and Sri Lanka, then
later in other tea-producing places like Nepal, Viet Nam, Bangladesh and others.
2019
•United Nations adopts International Tea Day
•After some years of advocating for its observance, International Tea Day is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the
suggestion of the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea

5. Tea equipment:
If it is not a large formal tea, a silver tray and tea service are not necessary.
A china tea set consists of:
1.a teapot,
2.a creamer for the milk,
3.a sugar bowl,
4.a pitcher of hot water (for those who prefer weak tea), and
5.a plate for lemon slices arranged on a wooden or tin tray are fine.
•
The tea tray and china tea set are placed at one end of the table.
• On the right, set out the necessary number of cups and saucers and teaspoons.
• Plates, flatware, and tea napkins are placed on the left.
• Platters of refreshments can include tea sandwiches in fancy shapes, various kinds
of nut breads, cakes, pastries, and cookies.

6. THANK YOU
CHEER UP WITH TEA…..