As we are sipping on tea, we wanted to share more about the 🍵Japanese tea ceremony, known as "sado" or "chado"🍵.
A traditional ritual involving the ceremonial preparation and consumption of matcha, or powdered green tea. The practice is rooted in principles of harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku). The ceremony usually takes place in a specially designed tea room, called a "chashitsu."
Some key elements of the Japanese tea ceremony:
- Tea Utensils 🍵: The ceremony uses specific tools, including the tea bowl (*chawan*), tea whisk (*chasen*), and tea scoop (*chashaku*).
- Tea Room: The tea room is simple and serene, designed to create a peaceful atmosphere. It may feature a *tokonoma* (alcove) with a hanging scroll and seasonal flowers.
- Rituals 🙏: The host meticulously follows a series of steps to prepare the tea. Guests observe or participate with mindfulness and appreciation.
- Clay Tea Pet🐾 : Adding a touch of whimsy, clay tea pets are often used during the ceremony. These small, sculpted animals are placed on the tea tray and are 'fed' tea, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Ask Marie about her collection...
- Etiquette: The ceremony involves bowing, turning the tea bowl before drinking, and expressing gratitude.
The tea ceremony offers a beautiful window into Japanese culture, where every gesture and item has significance, blending tradition with a dash of playful charm. 🌸