In this article, we provide essential knowledge and explain the basic flow of the tea ceremony experience, useful when introducing the "Way of Tea" to foreign visitors. Learning about the history, tools, and etiquette before participating in a tea ceremony will enhance the experience.
What Tea Ceremony Represents for Foreign Visitors
The tea ceremony is a prominent Japanese cultural art that follows traditional manners in which the host serves tea to guests. It is an excellent opportunity for foreign visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese customs. Beyond learning about the culture, the experience allows guests to appreciate the host’s hospitality and savor tea in a unique, serene environment, making the tea ceremony an unforgettable and meaningful part of their visit.
A Brief History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
The history of tea in Japan began in the 9th century when Buddhist monks Saicho and Kukai brought tea leaves from China as medicine. In the 12th century, the practice of drinking matcha (powdered green tea) was introduced by the monk Eisai. Originally, tea ceremonies were part of Buddhist rituals, but over time, they spread among the nobility. The tea room became a symbol of power, and a tea-tasting game called "Tocha" became popular among the aristocracy.
With the emergence of Sen no Rikyu, a merchant-class tea master, tea culture extended to the lower classes, including merchants and farmers. Rikyu established "Wabi-cha," a simple, refined form of tea ceremony that emphasized humility and equality regardless of social status. His teachings are the foundation of modern tea ceremony, which has been passed down through generations. Over time, tea ceremony, alongside flower arrangement (Ikebana), became a part of women’s education and is now widely loved by people worldwide.
Key Tea Ceremony Tools
Several traditional tools are used in a tea ceremony, each playing a vital role in the ritual. For those experiencing tea ceremony for the first time, these key items are commonly used:
Chawan (Tea Bowl): A bowl used to drink matcha, often decorated with a design on the front.
Chasen (Tea Whisk): A bamboo whisk used to mix matcha with hot water in the chawan.
Chashaku (Tea Scoop): A tool used to scoop matcha powder from a Natsume (tea caddy).
Mizusashi (Water Container): A vessel used to hold fresh water for adjusting the temperature of the tea.
Kama (Kettle): A pot for boiling water to make tea.
Fukusa (Silk Cloth): A cloth used to wipe and purify tea utensils during the ceremony.
Natsume (Tea Caddy): A container for storing matcha powder.
Decorative Items for the Tea Room (Tokonoma)
Kakejiku (Hanging Scroll)
Hanaire (Flower Container)
Kogo (Incense Container)
Tea Ceremony Process
Although the specific steps may vary depending on the tea school, the general process follows these steps:
Preparing the Tea Room and Tools The host (Teishu) cleanses the tools using a Fukusa before starting the tea preparation.
Making the Tea After purifying the utensils, the host uses the Chasen to whisk matcha and hot water in the Chawan. The whisk is moved in a circular motion, creating a frothy texture in the tea.
Serving Traditional Sweets Guests are served Wagashi (traditional sweets) before drinking tea. These sweets are crafted to reflect the current season, enhancing the seasonal theme of the tea ceremony.
Drinking Matcha After enjoying the Wagashi, guests are offered the matcha prepared by the host. Here is the typical way to receive and drink the tea:
Express gratitude to the host and bow.
Say "Osaki ni" to the guest sitting on your left before taking the Chawan.
Hold the Chawan with your right hand and place it on your left palm.
Lift the Chawan slightly as a sign of respect.
Rotate the Chawan clockwise twice before drinking.
Drink the tea with a small slurping sound to show appreciation.
Wipe the edge of the Chawan lightly with your thumb and forefinger.
Rotate the Chawan back twice in a clockwise direction.
Place the Chawan back on the Tatami mat.
Benefits of the Tea Ceremony
In addition to offering a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and enjoying the taste of matcha, the tea ceremony brings various other benefits, including:
Meditation
Learning Gratitude and Manners
The tea ceremony is not just about drinking tea; it is a cultural journey that promotes mindfulness and a greater appreciation of Japanese traditions.
Explore More Japanese Cultural Experiences
For those seeking a deeper connection with Japanese traditions, Kyoto offers various unique experiences that go beyond the tea ceremony. One such experience is the Hōchō-shiki Knife Ceremony, an ancient ritual that demonstrates the art of knife handling and food preparation without directly touching the ingredients. This rare and beautiful ceremony reflects the profound respect for ingredients and craftsmanship that is central to Japanese culture. If you're interested in learning more, visit our Hōchō-shiki Knife Ceremony site to explore this unique cultural offering.