Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE INS AND OUTS OF TEA CEREMONIES
By this point, you're probably wondering what happens in an actual tea ceremony. First, it
must be noted that tea ceremonies can be short and spontaneous or long and extremely
formal. They might be held to mark an anniversary, the changing of the seasons or just as
an opportunity to see old friends.
In a proper full-length tea ceremony, a group of guests arrive at the location of the gath-
ering, perhaps a home or a temple with its own tea house, and wait in the outer garden, a
peaceful and meditative space. Upon entering the tea house, they observe while the host ar-
ranges the charcoal and serves a special meal of
kaiseki
(haute Japanese) cuisine. After the
meal, guests are served some simple sweets, take a brief intermission, then return for a
serving of viscous
koicha
(thick tea) followed in many cases, by a round of
usucha
(thin
tea). At certain moments during the gathering, the guests have the chance to admire the
hanging scroll, the flower arrangement and the host's careful selection of
chadōgu
(tea
utensils).
These days few people have the time or energy to produce or participate in the full-
length version, and abbreviated tea ceremonies are often held. These often include just the
consumption of one traditional Japanese sweet and a bowl of
usucha,
and the enjoyment of
the flowers, scroll and utensils. This is the type of ceremonies that most visitors to Kyoto
are likely to participate in.
IF YOU JOIN A TEA CEREMONY…
»
Remove your jewellery and watches to avoid scratching the tea bowls.
»
Refrain from taking photos with the camera directly over the tea bowls in order to avoid damaging them (by
dropping the camera). Tea bowls can be priceless treasures.
»
Wear white socks without holes if possible.
