The Japanese tea ceremony is a special Japanese cultural tradition, which began in the 15th century. It has evolved as well as altered over the centuries, as well as today there are many different designs as well as colleges of tea in Japan. In spite of the various styles and also schools of tea, they all share the very same overall approach, which has actually been formed by its beginnings in Zen Buddhism.
The directing ideology of the Japanese tea ceremony hinges on the concepts:
‘ Wa’- Harmony
‘ Kei’- Respect
‘ Sei’- Pureness
‘ Jaku’- Serenity
One of the key historical figures in the Japanese tea ceremony – Sen no Rikyu, is thought to have highlighted these principles in the development of the tea ceremony. Sen no Rikyu is credited with having actually created all the action in the tea ceremony and also with transforming it right into a routine which he passed down onto his trainees.
Sen no Rikyu emphasized the spirituality and the simpleness in the art of alcohol consumption environment-friendly tea.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Today
Today the Japanese tea ceremony is still actively examined by trainees of all ages. There are tea ceremony clubs in secondary schools, cities as well as the countryside. Although the Japanese tea ceremony was limited to just the affluent in the past, today it is something everybody can participate in.
Aside from individuals researching the tea ceremony as an interest, they are likewise held to note a special occasion (wedding) or time of the year (New Year). That is why, a lot of Japanese people have
experienced the tea ceremony, probably by attending at one.
The Setup
The Japanese Tea Ceremony normally takes place in a typical Japanese tatami room. A traditional cafeteria has actually a elevated alcove at the front of the room, which is merely and elegantly decorated with a hanging scroll and also a flower setup.
The hanging scroll usually has a easy poem written in Japanese calligraphy, which has been meticulously selected by the host to set the state of mind and also environment of the tea ceremony.
The Tea Ceremony Itself
There are several actions which the host will certainly carry out throughout the tea ceremony. One of the most essential thing for the host to do for the visitors, is to create an environment of tranquility and also calm.
At first the host will certainly welcome the waiting guests, by offering them some typical Japanese sugary foods.
The host will certainly then generate the tea and also tea utensils to be used in preparing the tea (There are several unique tools used just in doing the Japanese tea ceremony).
The host will certainly after that inform the guests to loosen up, and also appreciate their sugary foods while the tea is prepared.
Throughout this time around there are typically no words spoken, as well as the guest can observe the host preparing the tea.
As soon as the matcha green tea has actually been prepared, it is offered to the guest.
The host will ask the visitor ‘ Exactly how do you like the tea?’, to which the visitor replies saying ‘It is very delcious’.
After all the guests have appreciated and also completed drinking the tea, the host cleanses all the utensils and then invites the visitors to hold and check out them. Each utensil consisting of the tea container, the tea inside story and dish are handcrafted by knowledgeable artisans. Currently, the guest can ask the host inquiries about each utensil (artist, style and so on).
Finally, the host will take all the utensils as well as tea out of the tea room as well as say thanks to the guests for coming, noting completion of the tea ceremony.
Brigita Feltham is the maker and owner of Infusious Tea. After spending over 3 years in Japan, green tea came to be a part of Brigita’s day-to-day way of life as it is for a lot of Japanese people.
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