Japanese Tea Ceremony

Japanese Tea Ceremony, sometimes called "the way of tea", is one of the most revered traditions in Japan. People can be wrong to assume there is only one kind of tea ceremony. Actually, in Japan, there are several schools of thought regarding the proper rituals at the Japanese Tea Ceremony, but they are similar enough so that we can describe the basics of this special event.

The ceremony can be performed indoors
or outdoors. When guests are very important present, the Japanese Tea Ceremony is almost always done in and guests sit on tatami mats, made ​​of bamboo. Actual tea ceremony can be performed anywhere, at home, in the garden or in the taverns special teas, and they are all seen as an important part of Buddhism, that observe and oversee every little detail of the event.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Room and Tearoom

A few things all tearooms have in common is that the floor is covered with Tatami mats. Usually there is an alcove or Tokonoma in the room, but its size may vary.

There are different sizes of rooms which have names according to the number of Tatami mats in the room or the layout of the Tatami mats. For example, a four-and-a-half Tatami mat room is called a Koma (small room)

There is no fixed layout, as to where the door has to be in relation to the host’s mat but the guests should be seated next to or near the Tokonoma so the host’s mat cannot be in the same corner.

Tea Room

1. Sadouguchi ( Host's entrance )

The Sadouguchi is a full-sized door the host uses to enter and exit the tea room carrying utensils. Commonly, a Taikobusuma sliding door is used. The Taikobusuma is comprised of a lattice frame with white paper affixed to both sides. There is no knob or handle, and the door is simply pushed open by hand.

2. Tokobashira ( Supporting pilar )

Much care is put into crafting the Tokobashira supporting pilar, for it is almost like the face of the Tokonoma. High grade wood or that which conveys an air of sober refinement (Wabi) is used. Red pine is sometimes used as Tokobashira and the bark could be left on. The pilar located on the opposite side from the Tokobashira is called an Aitebashira or partner pilar.

3. Otoshigake ( Tokonoma Lintel )

The Otoshigake is the lintel that supports the partial short wall in front of the Tokonoma alcove. It is commonly made of red ceddar, red pine, or Paulownia wood. A nail is hammered on the from surface of the center of the wood, and sometimes the back, and a small boat-shaped hanging vase of flowers can be hung from it.

4. Kakejiku ( Hanging scroll )

In these scrolls, calligraphy or painting are usually mounted. Calligraphy includes such as Waka poetry, letters and Zen phrases written by monks, while paintings are about landscape scenery, flowers, birds and so on. Vintage brocades used for the frame shouldn't be missed. Guests can see the point of the day's tea ceremony. On this hanging scroll is a prase describing the summer season.

5. Tokogamachi ( Tokonoma bottom beam )

6. Temaeza ( Tea master's tea mat )

Each tea ceremony performed host or hostess who always wears a kimono. The host determines the length of the ceremony - the longest may last for more than four hours. Before participating in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, most of the guests to wash their hands as a sign of spiritual readiness.

kimono

Sometimes the Japanese Tea Ceremony begins snacks called kaiseki. After the meal is finished, they usually leave the tea ceremony performed until the host or hostess to call them back. The ceremony then really started to eat candy or sweet tidbit. Each guest brings a paper called Kaishi, to put snacks when they are served by the host.

Next is cleaning the equipment used to make tea. This is where there is a slight difference of thought that affect procedures ceremony. Teaspoons, tea bowls, and tea whisk cleaned in a very precise, with certain rituals and gestures. Guests watched the process intently, and very quiet all the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

After all the instruments have been cleaned tea, tea is made, usually using powdered green tea - matcha. Initially strong tea will be served, followed by another watery tea. In most procedures for the ceremony, all the guests to drink from the same bowl, although some variants can serve tea to each guest with a bowl or cup, respectively.

The host then bent down to the most honored guests, the first drink from the bowl, and then returned to the host. Guests then have to rotate the bowl so that when it is presented to the next guest, the second guest lips will not touch the same place in a bowl. They bowed to each other every time the bowl is passed from guest to guest.

After the completion of the ritual of drinking tea, the host re-wash all equipment. Guests can then see each piece of equipment, but they must do so with extreme caution, because the equipment is usually an antique or rare. After looking around the tea, guests bowed again to the host and left the room. Japanese Tea Ceremony ends here.

Japanese Tea Ceremony More Explanation

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