Dapple Grey
Tartan of the Day
Jul 11
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Tea Day
“In Morocco, the true taste of hospitality is a glass of black tea with fresh mint and sugar — poured high, to let the aroma rise like a welcome.”
Time for a cuppa? You have a braw and broad choice of tea and tartan for International Tea Day!
Part of a large collections of tea flavours with a corresponding tartan, this elegant pairing is steeped in both tradition and refreshment. The fusion of bold black tea and invigorating mint has roots in ancient hospitality rituals, particularly in North Africa, where Moroccan mint tea became a symbol of friendship and welcome. Mint itself was cherished by the Greeks and Romans for its cleansing and uplifting properties, while black tea traveled the Silk Roads to become a global staple. This tartan evokes the warmth of a well-steeped brew with the crisp clarity of mint—a textile toast to the rituals, flavors, and folklore that unite cultures over a shared cup. 🤎 💚 🤍 🫖 🫖 🫖
Tea is one of the world’s most beloved beverages, with a rich and varied history that spans continents and cultures. Its journey began in ancient China, where legend credits Emperor Shen Nong with discovering tea around 2737 BCE when tea leaves accidentally blew into his boiling water. Over centuries, tea evolved into an integral part of Chinese society, symbolizing refinement and mindfulness in rituals like gongfu cha. From there, it spread to Japan, where it became central to the Zen-influenced tea ceremony (chanoyu), emphasizing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
In India, tea took on a more robust identity. Though it had indigenous roots, commercial tea cultivation was introduced by the British in the 19th century. The resulting Assam and Darjeeling varieties became global favorites. India also gave rise to masala chai—a spiced milk tea blend infused with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, which remains a cultural staple from street stalls to family kitchens.
In the Middle East and North Africa, tea is a symbol of hospitality. In Morocco, for instance, mint tea (typically green tea with fresh spearmint and sugar) is served to guests with great ceremony, often three times in succession—each pour representing a different proverb about life and love. The act of serving tea here is as meaningful as the drink itself, embodying grace, tradition, and warmth.
In the United Kingdom, tea developed into a national obsession. Introduced in the 17th century, it quickly became fashionable among the aristocracy and spread throughout all levels of society. By the Victorian era, “afternoon tea” had become an institution, thanks to Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who popularized the ritual of taking tea with light sandwiches and pastries to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. Today, the UK remains one of the largest consumers of tea per capita, favoring black teas such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey, often served with milk and sugar. “A cuppa” is more than a beverage—it’s a cornerstone of comfort, conversation, and daily life.
For more on International Tea Day, click the cuppa!