In Japan, the tea ceremony (called Cha-no-yu – 茶の湯) is an ancestral tradition rooted in customs for millennia; it is an art of living that is passed down from generation to generation and must follow a very precise procedure.
Tea culture in Japan
Tea is an integral part of daily life for the Japanese, consumed at any time of day. The tea ceremony is one of the traditional arts of Japanese refinement, and consists of preparing and presenting tea in a sophisticated manner, all within a simple and elegant setting. The kimono is the garment worn during the ceremonies.
There are two types of ceremonies depending on the tea (strong or light), with matcha tea being the most commonly used.
The course of a ceremony
The ceremonies can be more or less long; when they last several hours, a light meal is served to accompany the tasting.
The 4 stages of a ceremony:
The purification: the master of ceremonies welcomes and greets his guests, then places the utensils;
The preparation: the master adds the matcha to the bowls, pours in the water, and whisks with the chasen whisk;
The tasting: the tasting can begin, the tea is served to the guest of honor first, it is customary to greet the bowl before beginning the tasting;
The acknowledgments: the host takes the first guest's bowl and continues the tasting with the others. Once the tasting is finished, the host meticulously cleans all the utensils.
A relaxing moment to recreate at home
In Japan, the tea ceremony is based on the concept of Zen, spirituality, and mental tranquility. It helps reduce anxiety and allows one to live in the present moment, much like other Japanese arts such as cooking, calligraphy, and drawing.
Why not take a few minutes to create your own tea ceremony at home? Add your matcha tea, pour in your water, whisk, and savor it, eyes closed, with soft music playing. Take the time to appreciate and enjoy the present moment.
