Thirst is worse than hunger. Humans cannot survive for more than a few days without fluids. And just as an abundance of water was the catalyst that brought about the progress of humanity, a lack of this precious resource hindered development considerably. More recently, drinks have shaped the political and cultural history of humankind. Alongside coffee, Coca Cola, beer, wine and rum, tea also changed the world. It is the most popular drink in the world after water. To honour the significance of the international tea trade and all actors involved in tea production, from the plantation to the finished product, many tea-producing countries have celebrated International Tea Day every 15 December since 2005.
Tea lovers buy their tea in specialized tea shops. There one can find the best quality and largest varieties of delicately mixed and flavoured teas. One of the tea suppliers, that constantly agitates for good working conditions in the tea plantations and more organic cultivation, is the international tea manufacturer alveus. On 15 December, the tea supplier calls on tea lovers around the world to clink glasses or better teacups on the widespread international tea culture.
In his book “A History of the World in 6 Glasses”, British author Tom Standage describes the influence tea has had on the course of world history. After coffee had reached Europe, tea conquered the European mainland from China. The British were particularly enchanted by the hot beverage and stepped up their trade with faraway Asia as a result. As early as the 17th century, tea had already become part of the British way of life. Great Britain had become a world power in terms of tea, and in order to secure supplies established the first tea plantations in India. The Boston Tea Party of 16 December 1773 also went down in history when a dispute over tea taxes escalated and outraged merchants and citizens stormed English merchant ships in Boston, throwing hundreds of chests of tea overboard. This event was one of the factors that sparked the American War of Independence and the subsequent separation of America from England.
Our tea culture is closely linked to these past events and is still evolving. So, the next time you enjoy a brew, take a moment to remember how much history there is in your cuppa! Tea will never taste the same again!
