The+Japanese+Tea+Ceremony

The Japanese Tea Ceremony Created by Allison Fontaine and Lauren Kelly The Japanese Tea Ceremony

**History ** ~ During the 4th the Japanese began to drink tea brought from China which was ruled by the T’ang Dynasty ~ The 8th century in Japan shows the first mention of a formal ceremony that differs from what it is today ~ Buddhist priests wrote “Cha Ching” which was about the proper was to drink tea (the correct temperature of the water and the use of tea vessels) ~ The Nara Period was when tea plants were grown in Japan and were mainly consumed as medicine ~ Tea was a rare commodity so the rules and formalities of the tea ceremony were created ~ In 1187 Myoan Eisai suggested grinding tea leaves before drinking ~ Hui Tsung, an emperor, used a bamboo whisk to stir tea after it was poured which was described in the book Ta Kuan Cha Lun ( A Generation of Tea)

~ Samurai embraced the tea ceremony ~ Tea parties were held and a game called Toucha was played that distinguished between Honcha (real tea) and other tea ~ So many people attended so one bowl held all the tea, which explains who it is still a practice today ~ People followed the Samurai class and began having tea ceremonies and adding a room called Lakoi into their houses

**Effect on Society ** ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tea was adopted by shoguns, samurai and merchants who drank it during lavish parties

~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was shared in a communal bowl in a simple hut to escape the worries of the world ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The tea ceremony spread to all levels of society ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the late 16th century Sen No Rikyu perfected the tea ceremony for Japan ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The tea ceremony was a spiritual akin to meditation ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chado (Sado) was the way of the tea which meant ridding one’s mind of ego and desire and focused on modesty and reverence ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Drinking tea was a way to keep the mind alert during meditation ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Murata Shuko was a tea master who encouraged return to simplicity and added observance while drinking tea ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Modern day tea rooms are modeled after Murata Shuko’s tea rooms ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tea ceremonies are popular with older women in modern Japan ~ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">They were once seen as an important part of girls preparation for marriage, this is less prevalent today

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">How to Have a Tea Ceremony **  **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">[|How to Hold a Japanese Tea Ceremony] **



<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. A tea ceremony must be held in a calm room away from distractions and the room must be decorated according to natural beauty of the seasons <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 2. Make sure caps and utensils are both beautiful and functional and set places before guests arrive and choose cups specifically for each guest <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">3. Brew tea once all guests have arrived, pour tea for the guests on your right first then continue until all guests are served; serve tea to yourself last <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">4. Pick up cup in right hand when everyone in ready, bring cup to eye level and bow to express thanks <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">5. Bring up to your chest and rotate cup clockwise so side facing the center faces you <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">6. Taste at first then comment on the taste, then resume drinking the reminder of the tea <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">7. Wipe rim when with your right thumb and forefinger when finished <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">8. Turn your cup again so that the group can admire its beauty <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 9. Place cup back on table with your right hand