Tea Traditions in Japan
September 30th, 2020
By Lindsay Wong
Introduction to the tea ceremony:
The tea ceremony is a centuries-old tradition in Japan that is symbolic of Japanese culture, representing purity, tranquility, respect and harmony. As Japanese culture is praised for its emphasis on courtesy, it is the ceremonial way for hosts to prepare tea for their guests, typically in a traditional tearoom setting with a tatami floor. The purpose of the tea ceremony is to provide hospitality and offer guests a tranquil escape away from the fast pace of everyday life.
History:
Since the 14th ceremony, drinking tea was a tradition that only affluent members of society could afford. The wealthy often held tea drinking parties and it became a popular pastime. Over time, this tradition of tea parties became more refined and associated with Zen-inspired simplicity and a larger focus on spirituality.
Procedure of tea ceremony:
The equipment needed for the tea ceremony is a tea whisk, tea scoop, tea bowl, sweets plate, sweet, kettle, brazier and the essential ingredient of powdered green tea (matcha). The procedure varies depending on where it is held. Generally, it starts with the hosts and guests bowing to each other and ritually purifying themselves. The guests are served a small sweet before bowing again. The first guest is given a bowl of tea and they take a sip. They bow again and wipe the rim of the bowl before passing it to the second guest. This procedure continues until everyone has taken a sip from the same bowl. The bitter taste of the tea complements the taste of the sweet.
Concept behind the tea ceremony:
The tea ceremony is based on the concepts of wabi and sabi. Wabi is the spiritual experiences of human beings and represents quiet refinement. On the other hand, sabi is about the material side of life, symbolizing decay and meaning “weathered.” The tea ceremony helps to create a balance between these concepts.
Conclusion:
Tourists can experience the tea ceremony in Japan at organizations across the country. Traditional gardens, hotels and cultural centers offer this unique cultural experience. The tea ceremony has remained as a staple in Japanese tradition to this day.
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