Chanoyu: Japan Tea Ceremony

Japan tea ceremony known as Chanoyu ( other names: Sado, Ocha) is a ritual of preparing and serving Green tea known as Macha. With Macha, japanese sweets are also served. The ritual of the tea ceremony was perfected and popularized by Sen no Rikyu in the sixteenth century. Traditionally the tea ceremony has been deeply related to Zen Buddhism, and contains many aspects that teach a Zen way of life including the attainment of selflessness and a calm state of mind.

Macha Tea

It was introduced by Eisai in the twelfth century when he returned from China. It is a green powdered tea which is served during the Chanoyu ( Japan tea ceremony )

Significance of this Tea Ceremony

• Main purpose is to represent Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquility.

• Not only to drink tea but to have a good time with guests.

• To know how important moral values are.

Elements used in Chanoyu

• Wagashi: Japanese sweet which is served with Macha. This type of sweet is made from bean paste, rice and fruits. They are delicate and can be moulded in different sizes and shapes.

• Chabana: This is an important element of the tea ceremony. It is simple yet magnificent art of flower arrangement.

• Chasen: This traditional Japanese whisk is made up of bamboo which is used during the ceremony. The bamboo whisk whips macha green tea powder into a fine emerald- green foam liquid.

• Chashaku: They are tea scoop made from bamboo. They are a kind of spoon which is used to put tea into the tea bowl.

Tea Ceremony

• The tea ceremony is usually done in small groups like 4-5 people. It is held in a tatami room.

• Purification ritual takes place before starting the tea ceremony. This is done by washing hands and rinsing mouth to symbolically get rid of dust and dirt from the outside world.

• Before entering the tea house, it is important to remove the shoes as a sign of respect.

• Wearing a kimono is a dress code of tea ceremony.

• The traditional tea ceremony is surrounded by garden but nowadays the venue lacks garden.

• The host prepares the tea in front of the guest.

• After the tea ceremony is about to end, appreciation and introspection is done.

Witnessing and being a part of this ceremony is unforgettable. It is the most famous and traditional ritual of Japan.