The Japanese tea ceremony is a special Japanese cultural tradition, which started in the 15th century. It has actually progressed and also altered over the centuries, and today there are various styles and institutions of tea in Japan. Despite the numerous designs as well as institutions of tea, they all share the very same general philosophy, which has been formed by its origins in Zen Buddhism.
The leading philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony hinges on the concepts:
‘ Wa’- Consistency
‘ Kei’- Respect
‘ Sei’- Pureness
‘ Jaku’- Calmness
Among the key historic figures in the Japanese tea ceremony – Sen no Rikyu, is believed to have actually highlighted these concepts in the advancement of the tea ceremony. Sen no Rikyu is attributed with having actually developed all the action in the tea ceremony and also with transforming it into a ritual which he gave onto his pupils.
Sen no Rikyu highlighted the spirituality and the simplicity in the art of alcohol consumption environment-friendly tea.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Today
Today the Japanese tea ceremony is still proactively 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 restricted to just the wealthy in the past, today it is something every person can take part in.
In addition to people examining the tea ceremony as an passion, they are additionally held to note a special event ( wedding event) or time of the year ( Brand-new Year). That is why, the majority of Japanese people have
experienced the tea ceremony, probably by attending at one.
The Setting
The Japanese Tea Ceremony generally occurs in a conventional Japanese tatami room. A conventional tea room has a raised alcove at the front of the space, which is simply and elegantly decorated with a hanging scroll and a flower setup.
The hanging scroll typically has a straightforward poem written in Japanese calligraphy, which has been meticulously chosen by the host to establish the state of mind and ambience of the tea ceremony.
The Tea Ceremony Itself
There are numerous actions which the host will certainly accomplish throughout the tea ceremony. The most crucial thing for the host to do for the guests, is to create an environment of harmony and calmness.
Originally the host will greet the waiting visitors, by offering them some typical Japanese desserts.
The host will then generate the tea and tea utensils to be utilized in preparing the tea (There are numerous distinct tools utilized only in executing the Japanese tea ceremony).
The host will after that inform the visitors to kick back, and also enjoy their desserts while the tea is prepared.
During this moment there are typically no words talked, and the guest can observe the host preparing the tea.
When the matcha environment-friendly tea has actually been prepared, it is offered to the visitor.
The host will ask the visitor ‘ Just how do you like the tea?’, to which the guest replies stating ‘It is very delcious’.
Besides the guests have actually enjoyed and also completed consuming alcohol the tea, the host cleanses all the tools and after that welcomes the visitors to hold and also take a look at them. Each tool consisting of the tea container, the tea inside story and also dish are handcrafted by proficient artisans. Right now, the guest can ask the host inquiries about each utensil (artist, style etc.).
Finally, the host will take all the tools as well as tea out of the tea room as well as say thanks to the visitors for coming, noting completion of the tea ceremony.
Brigita Feltham is the maker as well as owner of Infusious Tea. After investing over 3 years in Japan, eco-friendly tea became a part of Brigita’s everyday lifestyle as it is for many Japanese individuals.
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