Although Afternoon Tea Week may not be very well-known by most American citizens, it is a holiday week that is beloved in the United Kingdom. During this week, people all across the country come together to not only enjoy their favorite cuppa with teacakes, scones, sausage rolls, or sandwiches but also to enjoy each other’s company.

We’re not sure if this is different from the routine that many Britons follow every other week of the year, but we do know that this holiday has finally made it across the pond to the U.S. Some Americans have also begun to celebrate this week, which takes place during the second full week of August every year.

The History of Afternoon Tea Week

Tea is a beverage that has been traced all the way back to ancient China. It was reportedly discovered by Emperor Shen Nong — at least, according to a popular legend. The emperor was allegedly sitting beneath a tree when a leaf from the tree fell into his cup of hot water.

This created an aromatic infusion that people would come to know and love. Afternoon Tea Week is a holiday that doesn’t have quite the lineage as tea itself, but it’s still a pretty storied holiday. This holiday began in 19th-century England and reportedly began when the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, indulged in a regular afternoon tea.

At the time, tea was usually served during the evening hours, but she felt peckish one day and decided to have it sooner. Eventually, the practice caught on with the rest of the population, and this holiday week was born.

Some Fun Facts About Tea

Below are some fun facts about tea that we think our readership will really enjoy. We found these facts while we researched this holiday, and we think they’re perfect for reading while enjoying afternoon tea. Now, pass the scones, please!

• The tea plant is native to China and India.
• In China, India, and Sri Lanka, the tea industry is a major employer.
• There are several different types of tea, including oolong, black tea, green tea, and white tea.

Observing Afternoon Tea Week

Nowadays, Afternoon Tea Week is a beloved holiday. It is observed by a large portion of the population. It is also beginning to be observed in the U.S. as well, although it is admittedly not as popular there as it is in the U.K. Regardless of where this holiday is observed, one thing is for sure: everyone everywhere can spread the word about this holiday online using the hashtag #AfternoonTeaWeek.