Today i went to a typical tea ceremony on a local Spring Festival. You probably already know that tea ceremony which is very popular in Japan, was actually introduced from China. The way of conducting tea ceremony was later on perfected by Master Sen-no-Rikkyu based on the spirit of Zen during the 16th century.
Do you know why you have to turn the cup twice (clockwise) before you drink the tea?
* Apparently when the tea master serves your tea, the cup facing you is supposedly to be the best side of the cup, i.e. note that cups used in tea ceremony usually has elaborated design. This is a way of showing respect towards the guest. However, the reason why you turn in twice (clockwise) is for you to return the respect towards the tea master, i.e. by showing the best side of the cup towards the tea master.
Do you know why you have to turn the cup once (anti-clocwise) after you finish drinking your tea, just before you place the empty cup on the tatami?
* By turning it once anti-clockwise the best side of the cup should face the person next to you, thus showing respect towards the other guests.
What do you say to the other guests, facing the person next to you, before drinking your tea?
* O-saki ni (excuse me, may i drink this tea before you?) - this is to show politeness towards the other guests who have not had their turns.
Do you know why "quietness", "stillness" and "observation" are the key to enjoy tea ceremony? * Tea ceremony as the words say, is not just a way of enjoying tea, but a ceremony of a mental discipline for the purpose of achieving peaceful mind - the profound teaching of Zen. In quietness and stillness you can observe the way of tea making, the sound of water, the movement and enjoy how each season is portrayed differently in ways of presentation, such as in the use of cups, color of kimono, tools used in the ceremony and seasonal Japanese sweets.
Nowadays, tea ceremony is not only known in Japan but internationally such as in the US and Europe. Some people may consider tea ceremony a rather uptight activity as it involves a lot of procedures and rules. The truth is it is understandable for beginners not to know some of the rules and the tea master, in most cases, will explain to beginners in details on "what to do" during tea ceremony.
Finally to lighten up, check out below a Japanese TV program showing a magic performance conducted during a tea ceremony, ... something rare. Enjoy!
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