Here’s How To Properly Host A Japanese Ceremony Tea At Home

Hushed voice,  scratching the whisk, then handing over a bow, a nod, and a bowl of hot matcha. The formality of the occasions- This is a full swing Japanese tea ceremony, the greatest accommodation in Japanese tradition, amplifies delicate tones in the space.

It's much more than just mixing a teapot.

Fascinated?

Here’s everything you need to know about “ how-to host the tea ceremony”

 

Do’s and Don’ts  in the Japanese Ceremony Tea

The guest is not a passive participant; everyone has an essential role and etiquette. The rules are as follows:

1. Wear or dress conservatively, or a kimono
2. Arrive a little early
3. Remove your shoes at the entrance of the house and put in a couple of slippers.
4. Do not step into the center of the tatami and use closed fists when you touch the tatami.
5. All guests should be grateful to their hosts by congratulating them, praising the place, and the excellent tea and sweets.
6. Don't speak little; it is expected that the discussion will center on the ceremony itself.
7. Finally, if you're one of the numerous visitors, don't forget to flip the bowl a quarter before drinking and then wiping the bowl's lip. This is mainly to prevent drinking from the same area as the other visitors for hygienic purposes. 

Japanese Tea Ceremony Etiquette

You will need to acquaint yourself with many things before attending any Japanese tea ceremony. The first time in the tea ceremony, rest, serenity, and peace are called for. To express such sentiments you do not have to be Japanese or an expert.

You will distinguish yourself from others by mastering the basic tea ceremony etiquette applicable in all situations. Besides remembering the rules, grasp the messages and sentiments that underlie their acts and why they have meaning.

Here are some of the basic etiquettes:

• Wear a white pair of socks

A couple of white socks will demonstrate respect and consideration to your host. So after entering the event, you should bring a couple in to change.

• Carry a fan

One thing that people do not forget about well-prepared tea is their fans. Unlike other kinds of fans who cool down in the heat, fans used for Japanese tea rituals are smaller. In addition, individuals utilize it exclusively ceremonially. Tea people utilize their fans to identify their borders and to connect with their people.

People utilize their fans to talk to others during greetings. This is one of Japan's most frequent tea etiquettes.

• Pay respect to scrolls and flowers

 Scrolls and flowers are the two key elements in the tea rooms. In the alcove, people show them. You should recall that Japanese tea etiquette requires visitors are sitting before that alcove, placing the fan down, bowing, and enjoying the scroll. For the flowers, they must do the same. The scroll is an embodiment of the person who wrote it.

• Eat your sweets completely

 Your host will give you handcrafted delicacies before receiving a bowl of tea. Before serving you the tea, you will need to eat it entirely. Use the wooden selection supplied to cut and stain the third sweet. Cut the remaining into two halves after eating the 1/3 piece and consume it successively. It is proper to receive something in three mouthfuls since it corresponds with the way individuals are served by ceremonies. Likewise, you must consume Japanese tea in the same way.

• Receive the tea properly

The host always ensures that you are facing the front of the Japanese tea bowl when it is presented. The main side of the bowl is therefore that which points at you. They show it so that the guests may receive the finest possible treatment.

You must exhibit humility to indicate that you respect the universe for tea and recognize your host's attention.

Where Can I Buy Japanese Tea Ceremony Set In the USA? 

Utensils for tea ceremonies are not used for anything but for tea ceremonies. More remarkable is that for almost 600 years the same sort of tools has been in use, resisting any advances in technology. In the Tea Ceremony utensils, there is a hierarchy.

The most important is a tea bowl and a tea caddy, while the kensui and the ash (haiki) container are of the lowest value. The high-quality utensils are initially brought into the room and are always kept by two hands.

• Chasen
• Chashaku
• Chawan
• Hishaku
• Kama
• Matcha
• Natsume
• Tatami

You can buy all these Japanese ceremony tea sets online (Amazon, Etsy, and more).

Try this ritual - you won't ever think the same way again about the modest cup of tea.