The Japanese tea ceremony is a Japanese tradition involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of Macha, powdered green tea, the procedure of which is called te-mae.
History
Tea was introduced to Japan from China during the Heian period (9th century), and by the Kamakura period (late 12th century), matcha was used medicinally. The practice of drinking tea as a leisure activity gradually spread. During the Muromachi period (15th century), Chinese 'Tang goods' were used in tea ceremonies, leading to the establishment of the tradition. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th century), Sen no Rikyu perfected the tea ceremony. For over 400 years, it has been a part of Japanese life, enriching and bringing joy to the heart.
Photo from Sakai City Museum website Sen-no-Rikyu 堺市
Procedure
The Japanese tea ceremony involves several meaningful steps, practiced daily by tea masters. Here’s a condensed overview:
Step 1 - Bowing: The tea master bows to the guests, who bow in return, symbolizing mutual respect, a key principle of the ceremony.
Step 2 - Purification of Tea Ware: The tea master cleans the teaware with a fukusa cloth to show it’s pure, starting with the Natsume and Chashaku.
Step 3 - Preparing the Tea Set: Hot water is poured into the matcha bowl to warm it, preventing it from cooling the tea too quickly. The whisk (chasen) is soaked to avoid breakage, and the bowl is cleaned afterward.
Step 4 - Preparing Matcha Tea: Matcha powder is added to the bowl, hot water is poured in, and the tea is whisked in a zigzag motion to create foam. The bowl is then turned so the design faces the guest.
Step 5 - Drinking Matcha Tea: Guests bow in gratitude, turn the bowl to show its design to others, and drink the tea. The bowl is then placed back on the mat.
Step 6 - Wagashi: Traditional sweets (wagashi) complement the tea’s bitterness and are eaten when offered, indicating the guest’s enjoyment.
My experience
As a high school student, I have always enjoyed macha sweets such as macha ice cream, macha pound cake, and macha latte. So, my interest in the tea ceremony was a natural extension of my interest in favorite snacks and drinks. My high school has a Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) club. JNHS is an academic club that exists to celebrate & appreciate Japanese language, culture, & history. Members have a strong interest in expanding their Japanese fluency & literacy. I am currently the president of the club.
JNHS organized a tea ceremony event in October 2024, inviting club and non-club members to experience a tea ceremony. I led by example, showing other students how to whisk the tea together properly. Additionally, we had traditional wagashi to go along with our tea.
I learned that the Guiding Principles of Chanoyu as expressed by Sen no Rikyu are: harmony (wa: 和) respect (kei: 敬), purity (sei: 清), and tranquility (jaku: 寂), which form the core of Japanese culture. During the tea ceremony, our club embraces these traits by coming together and putting our efforts into the tea ceremony, in order to appreciate this aspect of Japanese Culture as much as possible.
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