The Tea Ceremony Unveiled
A traditional Japanese teahouse
As my young tea students edge closer in their tea education to an actual graduation from my tea shrine, the time draws near for me to prepare that most holy of time honored traditions — the Tea Ceremony.
Perhaps you have heard of this great tradition. But it is time you knew a bit more of it. Sit down and I shall enlighten you.
As you know, tea has been around for many centuries. It was initially an indulgence enjoyed only by nobility and the upper class. But in time, it became more popular and easier to make, and the masses began to enjoy it as well. With the lower class’ introduction to tea came the tea ceremony as well.
A merchant by the name of Sen no Rikyû, who had been trained in the art of tea, adapted the ceremony in order to make it more accessible to those that were less than royal, and to ensure that all were treated equally. He even rejected ornate teahouses for small grass huts with tiny doors through which all participants had to crawl, so no egos were brought to the ritual.
The tea ceremony is an almost meditative tradition, and it is considered impolite to speak of anything other than the tea ritual itself. Aside from polite greetings, gratitude for the honor of the invitation, and a compliment to your host, talking should be kept to a minimum. This is a time for contemplation, not idle chatter.
Upon entering the tearoom, the host places a scroll with some small bit of wisdom. This sets the tone for the ritual, and should be honored and complimented. Next comes a light meal that will look as good as it will taste; this is not an accident. With the meal comes a small serving of sake and a piece of fruit or some other light dessert.
After the meal, the guest exits and the host prepares the room for tea. The scroll is replaced by a flower. Once the guest returns, the host begins to make the tea, boiling water in an iron kettle and washing the bowl and tea utensils. He then combines the green tea powder, called Koicha, with the water and stirs it with a whisk until it is frothy. Everyone shares the Koicha, drinking from this bowl. The host later serves a second type of tea, called Usucha. This is served in individual bowls.
The traditions have changed over time, and there are of course many different ways of conducting the tea ceremony. This is simply mine. Perhaps you could come to the tea shrine and take it someday. When you are a tea master of course.
Tags: Green Tea, Japan, ritual, tea ceremony, tradition
