Around this time of year there is nothing more hotly-anticipated in the coffee world than the design of Starbucks' holiday cups, but you might be surprised to learn that the green Starbucks cups have nothing to do with their holiday flare at all. So what does the Starbucks green cup mean? The cups, which debuted Nov. 1, certainly do look festive, but Starbucks traditionally only has red cups for the holidays. This green cup is actually part of an incredible movement to help foster communities, designed by artist Shogo Ota. According to Starbucks, the design "represents humanity and connection, serving as a symbol for bringing people together as a united community."
The design, which features a single line woven to create images of countless people overlaid on each other and highlighted in a circle, is meant to represent the true nature of community — that we are not just the sum of ourselves, but everyone around us. That everything we do, whether we see it or not, is interconnected everyone in our community and countless people beyond it. It is both a necessary and worthwhile sentiment to make in 2016, a year more characterized by unrest, and especially leading up to an election that seems more polarizing than any that have come before it.
“The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers," wrote Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz in a press release. "During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other."
Also starting Nov. 1 is the return of Starbucks' holiday drinks, including Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Peppermint Mocha. The drinks are currently available in stores, and will be available throughout the holidays until supplies run out.
So when exactly are the holiday red cups of yore returning to Starbucks? Fans are speculating it'll be mid-November this year. In the meantime, take a beat, take a breath, and take a moment to remember the power of community when you sip out of one of Starbucks' green cups this week. With the election so close on the horizon, we're all going to need it.
Images: Courtesy of Starbucks
