Tea Ceremony of Japan

Larger settings can be done, but the overriding concern is that there be a simple setting where the guests can focus on the moment. Most tea ceremonies will have a small alcove with an artistic piece, such as a scroll, flower arrangement or bonsai is placed. Otherwise, the room should be comfortable, simple and clear of things that draw attention away from the participants and the tea. Once the setting is established, the host makes sure that the area and the approach to it are as clean as possible. In settings that have a stone walk way or path, even the japanische Teezeremonie stones will be rinsed free of dust.

When the guests arrive, they remove their footwear, much like any proper Japanese setting. They are also wash their hands and rinse their mouths from a small stone basin. If this is not available, hot steamed towels are offered instead to at least wash their hands. There is no implications that anyone is not hygienic meant by this. It is actually a symbolic gesture towards leaving the dust of everyday life behind for a short time and approach the tea with a clear mind.If a traditional charcoal fire is being used to heat the water, the host will wait until everyone is seated before laying the fire. Then a light meal of several courses is presented, with each dish being individually brought to a guest. The food should already be plated and ready to be eaten. The guests should not have to serve or cut anything as this is considered a lack of preparation on the host's part. Sake is served, but only a single small cup to cleanse the palette. A single sweet that each guests carries is the end of the meal. This is to indicate that each person brings something unique to the event.After the meal, guests are invited to the waiting area or garden while the room is cleared of dishes. There should be no work done in the presence of guests. When the room is again ready, the host invites the guests back for their tea. In the presence of the other participants, the host will then clean each utensils with a cloth, using prescribed motions. The practice needed to do this is much like a dance. It should be done privately so often that the host need not struggle to remember any steps. This is one of the true indicators of mastery of the tea ceremony.The tea itself is made using a thicker ratio of the powdered green tea than is usual. The measuring and mixing is all done in a specifically made bowl and even the number of turns made while whisking is decided by tradition. Once the tea is ready, the guest will receive it form the host or an assistant. Before drinking, the guest will bow to the host as a sign of respect. The bowl is then lifted and turned back towards the host. The guest then inhales to experience the aroma, takes a sip and gives a bow of the head to the bowl. That person then wipes the place they sipped from and will either offer the bowl to the next guest or back to the host, depending on the number of participants.