The Japanese tea ceremony (chadō or sadō) is a traditional ritual influenced by Zen Buddhism . In this event, the powdered green tea, or matcha (抹茶), is prepared by a skilled tea practitioner and served to a small group of guests in a tranquil setting.
The tea practitioner wears kimono while serving tea. The tea room is decorated by calligraphy, flower arranging, incense and a wide range of other disciplines and traditional arts. The tea pot is installed in the center of the tea room. Guests are installed in U shape around the tea pot. There is no music.
A tea ceremony normally lasts within 4 hours. Guests are served a kind of Japanese sweets before drinking tea. In the tea room, the tea practitioner serves guests from the right to the left. The guest receives the tea cup by two hands, bows 45 degree and says thanks to the practitioner. Then, the guest turns the cup three times by two hands from the left to the right until he or she sees decoration patterns on the cup. Bowing the head, the guest says “Itadakimasu” (いただきます) and drinks tea. He or she returns the cup to the practitioner to serve others.
During the tea ceremony, guests should not discuss among them to respect a solemn atmosphere and to taste the tea. Instead, guests should not forget to say Itadakimasu before drinking tea. Before the ceremony ends, the practitioner explains in detailed the tradition and answers questions that guests may have.
After every one tasted the tea, the tea practitioner serves a light dinner with Japanese traditional meals. Now, guests are encouraged to exchange information and discuss freely.
The tea ceremony is organized to invite friends, colleagues and family members to stay a wonderful time together. I was invited two times by my Japanese host families. All I can say is that tea ceremony was wonderful and useful to learn Japanese and understand Japanese culture.
