Japanese Tea Ceremony – Still an Important Part of Japanese Culture

Japanese

The Japanese tea ceremony is a distinctive Japanese cultural heritage, which began from the 15 th century. It has evolved and changed over the centuries, and now there are many diverse styles and schools of tea in Japan. Despite the various schools and styles of tea, all of them share the same overall philosophy, that continues to be shaped by its own origins in Zen Buddhism.japanese green tea,

The guiding philosophy of this Japanese tea ceremony rests on the fundamentals:

‘Kei’- Respect

‘Sei’- Purity

‘Jaku’- Serenity

Some of the key historical figures in the Japanese tea service – Sen no Rikyu, is believed to have highlighted these fundamentals at the evolution of the tea ceremony. Sen no Rikyu is credited with being developed all of the steps within the tea ceremony and also turning it in to a ritual he handed down on his students.
Sen no Rikyu highlighted the spirituality and the simplicity at the craft of drinking green tea.

Now the Japanese tea ceremony remains earnestly studied by students of all ages. You can find tea ceremony clubs at high schools, cities and the countryside. Although the Japanese tea ceremony was restricted to only the wealthy before, today it is something everyone can participate in.
Besides people studying the tea service being a fascination, they are also held to mark a function (marriage) or period of this year (New Year). That is the reason why, most Japanese people possess
experienced the tea service, most likely by being a guest at one.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony usually occurs in a traditional Japanese tatami room. An conventional tea room includes a raised alcove at the front end of the room, which is simply and elegantly decorated with a hanging scroll and also a flower arrangement.
The hanging scroll usually has a simple poem written in Japanese calligraphy, that was carefully chosen by the host to place the mood and feeling of the tea service.

The Tea Ceremony Itself

There are many measures that the host will take out throughout the tea service. The absolute most crucial things for the server to complete to the guests, is to create an air of tranquility and serene.

Initially the host will probably greet the waiting guests, by serving them a few traditional Japanese candies.
The host will then bring about the tea and tea utensils to be utilised in preparing the tea (There are many particular utensils used just in performing the Japanese tea service).
The sponsor will then tell the guests to relax, and enjoy their candy while the tea is prepared.

During that time there aren’t any words spoken, and also the guest could see the server preparing the green tea.
Once the matcha green tea was prepared, it is served on the guest room.
The sponsor will ask the guest ‘How would you prefer the tea?’
After all the guests have enjoyed and finished drinking the tea, then the host cleans all the dishes and after that invites the guests to hold and look at them. Each utensil containing the java container, the tea scoop and bowl are handmade by skilled craftsmen. Only at that moment, the guest may ask the host questions about each utensil (artist, style etc.).
Finally, the host will require all the green and utensils from their tea room and also invite the guests for coming, signaling the end of the tea service.

Brigita Feltham is your founder and owner of Infusious Tea. After spending over 3 years from Japan, green tea became a part of Brigita’s daily lifestyle as it’s for some Japanese men and women.

Brigita began to study tea service and discovered that not only does green tea extract have excellent health advantages, but it also has a rich cultural heritage in Japan. Brigita would now like to share her wisdom and love of Japanese green tea extract.