International Tea Day & Thailand’s Sacred Tea Traditions

May 21st of every year is recognized as International Tea Day, a date officially designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to promote sustainable tea production and consumption. It also aims to raise awareness of the cultural, economic, and health-related significance of tea. Honoring Culture, Wellness, and Sustainability with Chaidim Organic Tea

Every year tea lovers across the globe raise their cups in celebration of International Tea Day—a tribute not just to one of the world’s most beloved beverages, but to the millions of lives and traditions it touches. While tea plays a vital role in daily life across many countries, Thailand offers a unique story—one where tea is both a cultural ritual and a wellness tradition, steeped in centuries of meaning.

What Is International Tea Day?

The idea for International Tea Day originated from small-scale tea farmers in India who called for fair trade practices and recognition of their vital role in the tea industry. Over time, the United Nations acknowledged the multifaceted importance of tea and declared this day as a tribute to the global impact of tea. Established by the United Nations in 2019, International Tea Day is not just a celebration—it’s a global call to recognize the economic, social, and environmental impact of tea production. It’s a moment to appreciate the hands that harvest the leaves, the communities built around tea farming, and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.

From the mountains of Yunnan to the highlands of Chiang Rai, tea connects people, places, and philosophies. It brings comfort, sparks conversation, and, increasingly, serves as a symbol of mindfulness and wellness.

The Cultural Role of Tea in Thai Festivals and Ceremonies

Though Thailand may not always be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of tea, its role here is profound—especially in traditional festivals and religious ceremonies.

1- Buddhist Offerings and Ancestral Shrines

In temples across the country, tea is used as a sacred offering—placed on altars to honor monks, ancestors, and spirits. These quiet acts of devotion reflect the values of humility, purity, and mental clarity, which align perfectly with the essence of tea.

Monks often drink tea during early morning alms or meditative rituals, where its calming properties help foster inner peace. In homes, tea cups placed at ancestral altars express gratitude and connection across generations.

2- Festivals of Water, Light, and Renewal

Major Thai celebrations such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong are times for reflection, cleansing, and family reunions. Tea is frequently served to guests as a gesture of hospitality, or sipped during family gatherings to mark the beginning of a new cycle.

In some regions, tea made from local herbs—such as lemongrass, pandan, or butterfly pea—is shared in rituals that blend Ayurvedic and Thai wellness beliefs, reinforcing tea’s place in healing and spiritual renewal.

3- Life Milestones: Weddings, Ordinations, and Funerals

Tea plays a supporting but significant role in life milestone events. Whether it’s honoring elders at a wedding tea ceremony or offering tea to monks during a family member’s ordination into monkhood, tea symbolizes respect, purity, and mindfulness—an ever-present companion in both joy and sorrow.

Chaidim Organic Tea: From Ceremony to Cup

At Chaidim, we see tea as more than just a drink—it is a story, a heritage, and a responsibility.

We work directly with smallholder farmers in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, where tea is grown without chemicals in fertile, high-altitude gardens. Every leaf is hand-harvested with care, reflecting the traditional wisdom of Thailand’s tea-growing regions. These aren’t just farms—they are living ecosystems that support biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Our teas—including green tea, oolong, white tea, and herbal blends—are crafted to preserve both the flavor and the spiritual energy of Thai traditions. Whether you're drinking tea during meditation, offering it in a ceremony, or simply enjoying a peaceful cup after a long day, you’re participating in a timeless Thai ritual.

Celebrate International Tea Day with Purpose

As the world celebrates International Tea Day, let us not only appreciate tea’s flavor—but its cultural roots, healing power, and ability to bring people together. With every sip of Chaidim Organic Tea, you’re supporting:

·       Sustainable farming in Northern Thailand

·       Cultural preservation of Thai tea ceremonies

·       Natural wellness rooted in tradition

Join the Celebration

Shop Chaidim Organic Tea www.chaidim.com

Taste the tradition. Feel the harmony. Celebrate with Chaidim Tea House Chai Dim Tea House  is located at: 292/5 Trimit Road, Talat Noi Subdistrict, Samphanthawong District. Bangkok 10100 Service hours are set from 10.00 – 17.00, closed on Mondays.
Contact for more information or reserve a seat at number 081-110-5655