Quiet Beauty

The Japanese tea ceremony is one of Japan's unique cultural heritages, reflecting the unique aesthetics, etiquette, and spiritual pursuit of the Japanese.

The Japanese tea ceremony emphasizes not only the ceremony of drinking tea but also the whole process of the tea ceremony. From preparing the tea set, lighting the incense burner, and purifying the soul, to brewing and enjoying the tea, every step has strict norms and rituals.

During this process, people experience a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, as if they have lost connection with time and space. The movements in the tea ceremony are slow and full of Zen, allowing participants to focus on every detail of the moment and realize inner peace.

The tea ceremony is not just simple drinking of tea but uses tea as a medium to convey the Japanese attitude towards a harmonious life. The use of elements such as tea sets, ikebana, and incense in the tea ceremony reflects the Japanese's awe of nature and their pursuit of a simple and simple life.

The "one period, one meeting" advocated in the tea ceremony means that every tea ceremony experience is unique and precious, just like every moment in life is unique. This unique aesthetic is best expressed in the world of tea ceremony.

The core spirit of the tea ceremony is "harmony, respect, and tranquility". Among them, "harmony" means harmony, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between people, people and nature, and people and society.

The influence of the Japanese tea ceremony is not limited to Japan itself but has spread all over the world. The tea ceremony is loved by many for its aesthetic value, harmonious spirit, and refined artistic expression.

In the world of tea ceremonies, there is no distinction between high and low. Whether it is the royal family, nobles, or ordinary people, everyone can participate together. This spirit of equality also makes the tea ceremony a bridge that crosses national boundaries and integrates different cultures.

The following are the general steps of the Japanese tea ceremony, taking brewing matcha as an example:

Step One: Prepare the tea set

First of all, prepare the required tea sets, including tea bowls, tea dusters, teaspoons, and saucers. The choice of tea set should conform to the occasion and season, or it can be selected according to personal preference.

Step Two: Purify the tea set

Before making tea, the tea set should be purified first. Gently wipe the tea set with a clean towel or a special paper towel, expressing respect and pure wishes for the tea ceremony.

Step Three: Boil water

Use a pot to boil water. Generally, the water temperature used in the tea ceremony is 80-90 degrees Celsius. When boiling water, you can use this time to prepare tea and snacks and also allow participants to settle their emotions and enter the atmosphere of the tea ceremony.

Step Four: Purify the Mind

Before making the tea, the host of the tea ceremony will place the incense burner, light the incense, and purify the air and the soul. Participants can stand in front of the incense burner and put their hands together to express respect for the tea ceremony and others.

Step Five: order tea

Put the pre-prepared matcha powder into the tea bowl, then rinse the tea powder in the tea bowl with hot water, and at the same time stir the tea powder and water evenly with a tea whisk until foam is formed.

Step Six: Drink tea

Put the brewed matcha on the saucer, hold the tea bowl with your right hand, hold the bottom of the tea bowl with your left hand, turn the front of the tea bowl to yourself, then hold the bottom of the tea bowl with your right hand, hold the edge of the tea bowl with the thumb and middle finger of your left hand, and turn the tea bowl Turn back to the original position, lift the tea bowl to the appropriate height, and enjoy the matcha.

Step seventh: Serve tea

After tasting the tea, pass the tea bowl to the next person who tastes tea with the right hand, and the person who receives the tea bowl should take it with the left hand, and hold the bottom of the tea bowl with the right hand to express gratitude, then lift the tea bowl, and hold the bottom of the tea bowl with the right hand, turn 180 degrees to the left, then turn the teacup back to its original position, and finally lift the teacup and return to its original position. Then you can carry out other links of the tea ceremony, such as viewing flowers and watching the moon.

The steps mentioned above are just a simple demonstration of the tea ceremony. The actual process and ceremony of the tea ceremony may be more complicated and solemn because the tea ceremony emphasizes the deep meaning and spiritual pursuit behind every detail and action.

Through such a series of rituals, the tea ceremony conveys a sense of peace, humility, respect, and awe of nature, which has become a unique and cherished part of Japanese culture.