The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as chanoyu (茶の湯) or chadō (茶道, “the way of tea”), is a highly ritualized and serene practice focused on the preparation and sharing of matcha (powdered green tea). Here are the main steps in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, designed to bring host and guests into a mindful, peaceful state:
- Preparation of the Tea Room
- Clean the Room: The host thoroughly cleans and arranges the tea room. Decorations are minimal, often limited to a single hanging scroll or flower arrangement chosen for the occasion.
- Setting the Tools: The tea utensils, including the tea bowl (chawan), tea whisk (chasen), tea scoop (chashaku), and tea caddy (natsume), are carefully placed in the tea room.
- Purifying the Space: The host may burn incense or use a fresh flower arrangement to create a serene and purified atmosphere.
- Welcoming the Guests
- Guests Purify Themselves: Upon arrival, guests cleanse their hands and mouth at a small stone basin outside the tea room, symbolizing purification of body and spirit.
- Entering the Tea Room: Guests enter the tea room quietly and respectfully. They are often seated in a specific order, starting with the most honored guest (shokyaku).
- Viewing the Scroll and Arrangement: Before sitting, guests may observe and appreciate the hanging scroll and flower arrangement, acknowledging the host’s choices.
- Laying Out the Utensils
- Utensils Presentation: The host enters the tea room and carefully arranges the tea utensils, performing each step with deliberate grace.
- Cleaning the Tools: The host ceremonially cleans each item with a silk cloth, reinforcing the theme of purity and respect. Each movement is slow, precise, and carefully orchestrated.
- Preparing the Tea
- Heating the Water: The host uses a ladle to transfer hot water from an iron kettle (kama) into the tea bowl. They then add a measured scoop of matcha powder.
- Mixing the Tea: The host uses the bamboo whisk (chasen) to mix the matcha and water, creating a smooth and frothy tea. The whisking process is meditative and rhythmic.
- Testing the Texture: Once the tea reaches the desired consistency, the host inspects it to ensure it is smooth and ready for serving.
- Serving the Tea to the Guests
- Presenting the Tea: The host presents the tea bowl to the main guest (shokyaku) with a bow, symbolizing respect.
- Receiving the Bowl: The guest acknowledges the host, bows, and rotates the bowl slightly before drinking. This gesture shows humility and respect for the host.
- Drinking the Tea: After taking a few sips, the guest wipes the rim of the bowl with a cloth, then passes it to the next guest.
- Expressing Appreciation: After all guests have tasted the tea, the first guest offers thanks to the host, acknowledging the time, care, and respect invested in the ceremony.
- Concluding the Ceremony
- Returning the Tools: Once the tea has been shared, the host cleans each utensil again, emphasizing the importance of returning items to their original, pure state.
- Final Reflections: The host may offer guests time to reflect on the experience or discuss the significance of the chosen scroll or flowers.
- Departure: Guests quietly leave the tea room, often with a bow, to honor the host and the experience shared.
Each movement in the tea ceremony is intentional and often guided by centuries-old practices. The simplicity and grace of these steps encourage all involved to focus on mindfulness, respect, and harmony.
