The Japanese Tea Ceremony

By Dee Barizo

The Japanese are a people that are well involved with their rich culture. When you visit Japan, you will not only be awed by how high tech the country is, you will also be amazed at how culture permeates the life of the Japanese.

One of the most beautiful ceremonies or rituals you will see is the tradition tea ceremony – which has become one of Japan’s most recognizable events. The ceremony -- also called Cha-no-yu (hot water for tea) when referring to a single ceremony or Sado when referring to the study of the tradition itself, is not just a ritual for the Japanese. It is also an momentary pause or interlude that allows them to show politeness to each other and also show beauty and the preciousness of quietude.

The ceremony is anchored on four principles, called wa, kae, sae and jubuo. This means harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Harmony pertains to unity with other people. Respect pertains to a good relationship with others, purity is cleansing yourself through the five senses, and tranquility is becoming at peace with yourself.

The ceremony is quite an exacting art. There are many disciplines that a practitioner must know. There must be knowledge of the production of teas and its different types, the traditional Japanese costume kimono, calligraphy, flower arrangement or ikebana, ceramics, incense and other kinds of disciplines and traditional arts – and this is not counting the tea practices that the practitioner’s school is known for. This large amount of knowledge means it will usually take years to perfect the ceremony, and it usually takes a lifetime of practicing this art to really appreciate all of its nuances.

The ceremony is exacting in that there are no so called passive participants. Even the guests should know a little knowledge of sado. The guests should know the required gestures as well as the phrases that guests should say. Entering the teahouse has its own set of rules and gestures. For example, you should purifying your hands and mouths with water placed in a stone basin. And then when you enter the teahouse, tradition dictates that you should admire the flowers, the kettle and the hearth before even taking a seat.

If you’re ever in Japan, do try to experience a Japanese tea ceremony by witnessing one. There may even be an opportunity for you to participate in one after being given instructions that are enough for you to participate in a rudimentary manner.

This article was brought to you by Japanican.

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