Japanese Tea Ceremonies

People enjoy having tea all over the world. However having tea in Japan can be a grand affair. Japanese tea ceremonies are more than just a friendly get together; they are a sacred ritual where each aspect of the ceremony has a symbolic meaning.

The ceremonies are located in a teahouse in a room called chashitsu. Fresh water is held in a stone jar, which is called mizusashi. This water symbolizes purity and it can only be handled by the host of the tea ceremony. The tea itself is kept in a small ceramic container and covered in a silk pouch. It is set in front of the mizusashi. There are stands, which are used to display the tea bowls.

The process that comes after everything is laid out is very precise. The host comes in with a tea bowl, a tea whisk, a white linen tea cloth, and a tea scoop. Along with these items is a jar that symbolizes the sun and a bowl that symbolizes the moon. The tea container and the scoop are then purified using a silk cloth. A further process is then undergone to create the tea.

When the tea is finished the bowl is passed around and the guests drink from it wiping the rim after each sip. This continues until everyone has tasted the tea. When the tea is had hand warmers and dry sweets are served. Before leaving the guests express appreciation to the host for the tea ceremony.