茶道

This historical Japanese tradition is a ceremonial way of drinking green tea. Tea ceremonies are typically performed in a traditional tearoom with tatami floors. It is more than just serving, receiving and drinking tea. The goal of the tea ceremony is to produce a hospitable atmosphere for the guest to enjoy that is different from the busiest attributes of normal day to day living. Introduced to Japan in the 8th century, it was used as it had been in China, as a medicinal drink. During the Muromachi Period (1333-1573), it gained popularity amongst every social class. The tea ceremony originated from the affluent members of society hosting tea parties mixed with Zen inspired simplicity. These types of gatherings also held greater emphasis on the spiritual.

I was able to view a presentation on a traditional tea ceremony and learn more about the proper etiquette and procedure. A tea ceremony that is formal is often multiple hours long. The tea ceremony has precise hand movements, order how things are done, and a dress code one needs to follow in order to successfully enjoy and show respect to the history and culture of the tea ceremony. The traditional tea ceremony is setting is usually located within a garden to inspire a clam spirit. When entering the tatami room, one should bow to humility. Sometimes the doors are deliberately low so that guests must bend down to enter. Guests should sit down with the most honored sitting farthest from the entrance and the rest following. One should sit in a seiza position which is kneeling with the butt on the feet. One should bow once more before looking around at the décor. The host then sits near the entrance and prepares the tea in front of the guests. Each piece of equipment has been selected specifically for the circumstance and is laid out in specific places. There are at least six instruments that are used during the ceremony including a chasen, natsume, chashaku, a sweet container or plate, and a kettle. Before the tea is served, one should eat the Japanese sweet given as the tea is being prepared. The tea bowl is placed in front of the guest on the tatami with the front facing them. One should pick it up with their right hand and turn is clockwise 90 degrees. This turns the front away from oneself. Then one can take some sips of the tea and sit it back on the tatami when finished. After sitting the tea cup down, one should bow and express gratitude. When completely finished, one should turn the front of the cup back at the host, this indicates that the guest is finished, and the host will ask if they want anymore. If there is no more tea want, the ceremony is finished, and the host will wash the tea utensils and place them back into the same places they were laid at the start.