The Japanese tea ceremony, an expression of Zen Buddhism, is designed to induce contemplation and calmness. It’s an exercise in mental discipline, aesthetics and attention to process. It also aims to promote a sense of social equality and brotherhood. Although it dates to the Middle Ages, the tea ceremony is still popular today.

Tossing some tea into a pot and pouring boiling water over it seems a pretty straightforward process. The Japanese, however, have created a tea-making ritual that involves a series of actions carried out in simple and quiet surroundings. To correctly master the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, requires several years of training.

The tea ceremony requires both the host and guests, who all know their parts, to concentrate throughout the process. There are many variations to the ceremony, depending on the occasion and the time of day.

The midday tea ceremony is performed by a host for up to five guests. The guests are invited to a special building, the tea house, which is surrounded by a garden. Upon arrival, the guests will wait for 15 minutes. The host and guests will greet one another in the garden with silent bows. Walking together to the tea room, they will admire the garden along the way.

After removing their shoes and washing their hands, the guests file into the tea room head first through a small door. The last person in slams the door shut and locks it. This signals the host that he or she may light the charcoal fire in the charcoal pit.

While waiting for the coals to grow hot and the water in the kettle hanging over them to boil, the host serves in silence a small snack of sweets. After the guests have eaten, the host collects the dishes, again in silence. The silence is intended to bring the feelings of the host and the guests into harmony.

As the guests concentrate on the host’s every movement, the kneeling host brews a thick, green beverage using the hot water and powdered tea. The tea is so thick it resembles a paste. The host ladles the thick, unsweetened tea into handleless cups, one for each guest. Guests hold their cup with the three middle fingers of their left hand under the cup and the fingers of their right hand around the cup.

While sipping the tea, guests and hosts carry on a brief, formal conversation. The guests will admire the cups and utensils. Then, as the fire is smothered, everyone lapses again into silence.

To bring the ceremony to a close, the host serves a thin, frothy cup of tea. With their last sip of tea, guests will make a slurping sound to let the host know they are finished.


Helprul Resources

• Culture Briefing: Japan gives you in-depth information on Japanese culture and customs

• Bullet Japanese puts you on the fast track for real results learning Japanese