It’s always nice to talk to someone over tea or coffee at anywhere and anywhere.
Tea ceremony is called Chanoyu (茶の湯）、 which means hot water for tea. It has precise manners, movements and prases but it’s not a ceremony before drinking tea. They are the most sophisticated and simplified way to serve tea. Also the aim of these manners and behavior are to share the joy of the tea meeting for both a host and a guest.
A host prepared food, tea, flowers, a scroll, incense, charcoals, gardens and rooms. Cleaned thoroughly in order to make a tea meeting pleasant and unforgettable. A host does not show off luxury ,sparkling things. He/She doesn’t wear gorgeous shiny kimono. even though it is expensive but it’s never bragging. Try to be humble and modest. It’s more spiritual. without much words and luxury, a host expresses highest respect and honor.
That’ why tea ceremony is equal to zen. Quiet and you will be absorbed in host’s each motion, not thinking anything. You will appreciate that selfless moment. We don’t need any word to be explained, just try. Experience!
When I bowed to start tea ceremony, the atmosphere changed into unusual. A kind of tense fills the room. Quiet. Just the sound of water pored, folding fukusa napkin, mixing powdered tea ( Matcha) and water.
There are not much talking but we (my friends) and the residents shared a very pleasant special moments. Some of them tried to make tea for the first time. I am very proud of them. They were eager to learn. They were very curious and asked many questions. Can men do tea ceremony? What kind clothes to wear? Are you in good shape. Is it because of drinking green tea? “How did you feel?”I asked.
“Accelerated!”
“ Honoured to experience tea ceremony because tea ceremony is not every day event.” Yes! YOU are special!
“Hot! Warm. Taste good.”
I am so happy to be able to enjoy special tea meeting. We will have kimono fashion show!
I shared the time and place with beautiful ladies. This encounter was once in our life time, we called Ichigo Ichie 一期一会. No same feeling, no same weather, nothing can be same as the day’s. I really appreciate this tea meeting. Thank you ladies!