Japan is one of my favourite countries to visit. It has a rich culture centered on politeness, respect and graciousness so what’s not to love about that?? No matter how often I visit the country, I always learn something new, and that’s the charm of Japan.
My first experience of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony was many years ago but it was so interesting and wonderful that I have repeated it several times since then. It’s an occasion that’s deeply rooted in history and is full of ceremonial procedures, many of which are inspired by spirituality. Among the affluent members of society, tea drinking parties became popular in which participants would show off their exquisite tea bowls (not cups) and display their knowledge about tea. The guest will enjoy the hospitality, experience a sense of calmness and appreciate the gardens, the flower arrangements, the hanging scroll and the room itself. Everything from the surroundings of the ceremony to the correct manner of preparing and drinking the tea is relevant – to the smallest detail! Although there are varying degrees of formality between different ceremonies, there are four main principles that remain the same …harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
So here’s what you can expect at a Japanese Tea Ceremony… or should I say an abbreviated version of a real ceremony (Chanoyu). The full formal tea ceremony lasts several hours and includes a meal along with thick tea (there are thick and thin variations of the tea… who knew tea could be thick or thin??). Only an expert could explain the rituals involved so I will leave that to them!
The sweet: A traditional Japanese sweet (Namagashi), made of rice flour with a sweet bean paste filling, is served before the tea.
The tea: The tea served is called Matcha, a green powdered tea that is whisked with hot water. It’s served together with traditional Japanese sweets to balance the bitter taste that it has.
The utensils: There are several utensils required to prepare the tea the main ones include a kettle, water jar, tea caddy, tea scoop, bamboo ladle, a bamboo whisk, a silk cloth, a tea cloth and the tea bowl.
The Host Duties: The host will use delicate, slow and precise hand movements to prepare and serve the tea. Believe me, it is slow and the guest must show appreciation for the hospitality (see guest duties). The tea is prepared in front of the guest with both guest and host kneeling before the hearth.
The Guest Duties: The guest must show appreciation by observing the movements of the host while they prepare the tea (the pouring of the water, the whisking movements and presentation of the tea bowl). The tea bowl is placed onto the tatami mat in front of the guest, who then should pick it up with their right hand and then place it their left hand. Using their right hand the tea bowl is turned clockwise 90 degrees so that the front is now facing away from the guest. Then the tea is drunk by holding the tea bowl with both hands and when finished the rim is wiped with a Kaishi (inside pocket paper) before being turned counter clockwise into it’s original position and placed back onto the tatami. This is followed by a bow to show the host one’s appreciation and gratitude for the tea.
There are five sensory pleasures of tea – viewing the surroundings and the tea utensils, the warmth of the tea bowl in one’s hands, the taste of the tea and sweet, the smell of incense and the sound of pouring water and whisking. That’s the purpose and pleasure of a Japanese tea ceremony.
Julia Esteve Boyd
The Etiquette Consultant