21st May International Tea Day

Recognising the long history and the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, as well as the significant role it plays in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st May as International Tea Day. Tea production and processing are a main source of livelihoods for millions of families.

Tea is a plant. Tea is a ceremony. But most of all, tea is love. 

Whether it’s part of an elaborate ceremony, or a quiet cup brewed for one, tea holds a special place in the hearts of millions. This poignant, lovely picture book celebrates the practice of tea-drinking across various cultures and countries, and meditates on the many meanings the ritual holds. These lines are from this new book Tea is Love by Adib Khorran and Hanna Cha which will be out later in the year. I can't wait to see it.

I am a tea drinker and late in the afternoon there is nothing nicer than a sit down with a pot of tea. I have written about International Tea Day before, here and also 21st April which is Tea Day here so there's not a lot more to say or show. 

I did notice Tea  by Dong Ningli has been published this year and is available in bookshops for a very affordable price, but I haven't seen it yet.

As the sun comes out of the mist, the tea pickers, who wear bamboo hats, coir raincoats and straw-made shoes, walk up the hills with bamboo sticks and gently caress the tea plants that they have cultivated for more than half a year. The coming days will be the busiest time of the year.