The Japanese tea ceremony (known as Cha-no-yu or sado) is a tradition that is deeply rooted in the antiquity of the Japanese nation. In Japanese culture the practice and procedure of the tea ceremony is both an art form and mental discipline, allowing time for reflection.
The proper method for conducting the tea ceremony is still a serious study today. Students learn the prescribed movements, methods of tea making and the art of decorating small areas of both the garden and tea house, together with a study of artwork.
Introduction of Tea to Japan and Origins of Tea Ceremony
Although tea had been introduced from China many hundreds of years previously, it did not become a popular drink in Japan until the 1400s. Green tea was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks returning from China and initially grown in monasteries. Buddhist Monks slowly initiated and perfected simple ceremonies connected with drinking tea. Tea drinking also became a popular pastime with the elite and ruling Samurai classes.
The final art of the Japanese tea ceremony was perfected by the Buddhist Master Sen-no-Rikyu in the 16th Century, with the creation of a separate Tea House for the ritual and prescription for conducting the ceremony. The guiding principles of the ceremony were the honour of the Buddha, and it became a time for peace and reflection. In order to achieve the required peace, the tea house or chashitsu would be built away from the main house, in the garden, and purely used for the tea ceremony.
The guiding principles for the ritual of all tea ceremonies are:
- Harmony
- Respect
- Purity
- Tranquility
To this end, the ceremony will involve the formal seating of the guests and ritual purification outside the Tea House, with an interlude for peace and reflection before entering.
Tea House (Chashitsu) in Japan
Tea houses (chashitsu) were built to hold the tea ceremonies and designed to a specific and harmonious layout, with lines drawn on the flooring, but also imaginary lines of harmony incorporated into the design.
There is no ornamentation within the Tea House, other than the ritual alcove (Tokonoma) which will hold a ceremonial scroll or piece of art carefully chosen by the host as reflective of the theme for the tea ceremony. The choice of work for guests to meditate upon can be the hardest decision for the host who may spend several days before reaching a decision upon the theme of the ceremony and the appropriate artwork or scroll to display.
Implements for tea making will also be laid out ritually within the room and it is customary for the guests to admire these artefects, as part of the ceremony.
Tea Making Ceremony
It is traditional for the host to wear the Japanese Kimono as the wide sleeved design enhances the traditional balletic movements of the tea making ceremony.
The tea is also made by prescribed and ritualistic method, with the bowl of prepared tea shared by all guests.
Normally a tea ceremony will be limited to four guests, with one elected beforehand as the main guest.
After the ceremony the guests will leave quietly to reflect further upon the meanings they have found from meditation.
If you enhoyed this article you may also wish to read: Hanami, Cherry Blossom Season of Japan or
Shinto & Ancient Gods of Japan or Shinto & Ancient Japanese Myths about Flowers
Sources:
Japanese Government
easterntea.com
Dawn Denmar - Studying for a BA in Journalism and History, Dawn's innate curiosity about life has led to articles covering a range of topics and ...
Join the Conversation