National Hot Tea Day

A cozy scene with a person holding a steaming cup of hot tea, sitting by a fireplace, surrounded by books and blankets.. — National hot tea day illustration

It's time to put the kettle on and get cozy because National Hot Tea Day is here! This delightful holiday celebrates that steaming cup of liquid comfort that warms our souls and soothes our senses. Whether you prefer it black, green, herbal, or with a splash of milk, hot tea has been a beloved beverage for centuries. So, grab your favorite teapot, settle into your comfiest chair, and let's dive into the rich history of this aromatic elixir.

When is Hot Tea Day?

It's national hot tea day on the 12th January.

A Sip through Time: The Origins of Hot Tea

Hot tea has a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong of China, around 2737 BCE, discovered tea when a few leaves unexpectedly fell into his boiling water. Intrigued by the pleasant aroma and refreshing taste, he took a sip and fell in love with this new beverage. From that moment on, hot tea became an important part of Chinese culture and eventually spread across the globe.

In the 17th century, tea found its way to England, sparking a nationwide tea obsession. The British developed their own traditions and rituals surrounding tea, including afternoon tea, where people would gather to enjoy a cuppa with delectable treats. This trend quickly caught on in other parts of the world, solidifying tea's status as the ultimate comfort drink.

The Internet Buzz on National Hot Tea Day

If you think hot tea is a quiet, unassuming beverage, think again! The internet has been positively buzzing with excitement on National Hot Tea Day. We detected a whopping 1010 mentions online, with the most fervor observed on January 12, 2021. People from all walks of life shared their love for hot tea, from hilarious memes about tea-addicted cats to heartwarming stories of how a simple cup of tea brought friends and loved ones together.

Fun Tea Fact: Did You Know?

Did you know that tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, outranked only by water? It's true! Around the globe, millions of people start their day or wind down their evenings with a mug of hot tea. So, the next time you sip your favorite brew, remember that you're part of a global community of tea lovers.

History behind the term 'Hot Tea'

2700 BC

The birth of tea

The history of hot tea can be traced back to ancient China, around 2700 BC. Legend has it that the Chinese Emperor, Shen Nong, discovered tea when tea leaves accidentally fell into his pot of boiling water. Intrigued by the pleasant aroma and taste, he decided to taste the infused water, giving birth to hot tea.

618-907 AD

Tea as a medicinal drink

During the Tang Dynasty in China (618-907 AD), tea started to gain popularity as a medicinal drink. The book 'Cha Jing' (The Classic of Tea) by Lu Yu documented the various methods of cultivating and preparing tea. The consumption of hot tea as a remedy for ailments like indigestion, headaches, and fatigue became widespread.

1660 AD

Introduction of tea to England

Hot tea made its way to England in 1660 when King Charles II married Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess who had a fondness for tea. She introduced the custom of drinking tea to the English court, and it soon became fashionable among the aristocracy. This marked the beginning of the British love affair with hot tea.

1721 AD

Thomas Twining opens the first tea shop

In 1721, Thomas Twining opened the first known tea shop in London, which still exists today as Twinings. This marked the establishment of a dedicated location where people could go to enjoy a cup of hot tea. The tea shop became a social hub and played an important role in popularizing the consumption of tea among the masses.

1904 AD

The invention of the tea bag

In 1904, Thomas Sullivan, a New York tea merchant, unintentionally revolutionized the consumption of hot tea with the invention of the tea bag. He sent samples of tea leaves in small silk bags to his clients, assuming they would remove the tea from the bags before brewing. However, his clients found it more convenient to steep the entire bag, giving birth to the modern tea bag.