Japanese tea ceremony. Tea drinking in Japan - what is interesting and unusual about this ceremony

Japanese tea drinking is not just a tradition, it is a whole ritual, which people comprehend for many years in special schools. The meaning of Japanese tea drinking is mainly not in tasting the drink - it is more like meditation and an attempt to find harmony not only in oneself, but also with other people. Today, an ordinary Japanese can name the following types of tea: gekuro (the highest grade of green tea), sencha (the highest grade of green tea), bancha - green tea of ​​lower quality, kukicha - the lowest grade of green tea, which is drunk only cold, kotya - the whole variety of species black tea, and finally, mata - powdered gykuro, which is usually used in the tea ceremony.

Japanese tea ceremony its origins date back to the 8th century, when Chinese tea was first brought to the Land of the Rising Sun. Later, in the XIII century, tea drinking began to acquire ceremonial features due to the actively spreading Zen Buddhism at that time, until two centuries later the monk Shuko formalized these features into special principles. In his opinion, the tea ceremony should be as natural and simple as possible, the same applied to the decoration of the house and used utensils, and the relationship between the host and the guest should be reduced to mutual understanding without words.

He left behind the basic rules of tea philosophy:

• harmony, the unity of a person with the world, nothing should disturb the atmosphere of the tea ceremony, there is not a single superfluous object or color here.
• Respect, mutual respect, overcoming the feeling of superiority over others
• Purity in feelings and thoughts,
• Calmness, balance, serenity in the soul and on the face.

The ceremony is essentially a formal meeting of the master and his guests not only for drinking tea, but also for small talk and relaxation. The ceremony cannot be held in an ordinary house - the action must take place in a special tea house called chashitsu. Chashitsu embodies the basis of the tea ceremony - naturalness and simplicity, so these houses usually consist of one room with several windows, simple clay walls and a bronze hearth. The utensils used during the ritual are also simple: simple ceramic bowls, a darkened copper teapot, a teapot, and bamboo spoons.

The tea drinking ceremony itself takes place in several stages: first, the guests gather and prepare for the ritual, walking along the stone path through the tea garden to the tea house. On the way to the chasitsa, guests contemplate the bizarre stones and plants and tune in a special way. After that, the guests wash their faces and step over the threshold of the chasitsu, having previously removed their shoes. The owner, following the guests, treats his visitors with light and beautiful snacks, after which the guests leave the house again to take a little walk and prepare for the most important element of the ceremony. Upon everyone's return, green tea brewing begins. After a long ritual preparation, the guests finally begin to drink tea, talking with the host about the beautiful: about the beauty of the flower arrangement, the saying written on a special scroll, about the cup of tea and, finally, about the tea itself. This whole ritual, like nothing else, reflects the Japanese character and attitude to life. Therefore, while in Japan, be sure to visit the traditional tea ceremony and experience Zen for yourself.

Japan is famous for its extraordinary customs and traditions. One of them is the tea ceremony, which has already been elevated to the rank of cultural heritage. Probably, in no other country do they treat tea with such reverence as in the countries of the rising sun. Today we will tell you how the tea ceremony takes place in Japan.

History of the tea ceremony

The ritual use of tea in Japan dates back to the 8th century, when the first tea leaves were brought from China. Even then, they were considered a drug for the treatment of many diseases and relieve fatigue.

After the spread of the Zen religion in Japan, tea drinking became an important part of the rituals performed by the monks. The foundations of the tea drinking ceremony were formed in the 15th century by the Zen Buddhist Shuko. He gave them the name "cha-no yu".

The tea ceremony in Japan is based on the following rules:

1. Overcoming the feeling of superiority over people, mutual respect and respect.
2. The harmony of man and the world - there should not be one superfluous thing and a color that would violate the ceremony.
3. Serenity and peace of mind.
4. Purity of actions, feelings and thoughts.

It is worth noting that the tea ceremony came to Japan from China. If the Chinese built their ceremony on Confucianism, then the Japanese took as a basis the principles of Buddhism - calmness, naturalness, equanimity, simplicity and serenity. These principles helped to achieve unanimity between the host and the guest through communication of hearts.

An interesting fact is that not a single master of the tea ceremony in Japan will say that he has reached the ideal in his art. For this reason, the famous master Rikyu even made himself hara-kiri.

Over time, tea drinking traditions have changed. They were democratized and simplified, but at the same time, an atmosphere of rough simplicity and asceticism was preserved.

How is the tea ceremony

The classical tea ceremony in Japan follows a certain scenario. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Preliminary stage.

Guests are invited to the tea party in advance, and the invitation must be official. A couple of days before the ritual, each participant sends his gratitude to the organizer.

The number of invited guests is 5 people and the tea master himself. Clothing should be chosen in plain, calm colors. Best of all - silk Japanese kimonos. You need to have a fan with you.

All participants gather in a special room where they choose a sekyaku - an honored guest. The choice depends on social status and rank. After that, the details of the ceremony are determined: in what order the guests will pass through the tea garden, rinse their faces and hands in the well, enter the tea house, how and where they will sit, etc.

First stage.

It starts with gathering guests in one room. Its goal is to create a mood and atmosphere of anticipation of the ceremony, as a wonderful process that you can enjoy. Boiling water is served in small cups at the collection point.

Then all participants go along the stone-paved path to the tea house through the tyaniva - the tea garden. This process is very important, as it symbolizes the withdrawal from worldly problems and negative emotions. Admiring the bushes and trees, the guests make room in their minds for peace and harmony.

At the end of the stone path, guests are met by a tea master. He welcomes everyone. After that, everyone takes a bath in the well, which is located near the entrance. It symbolizes purity of soul and body. Participants must first wash their hands, then their faces, and finally rinse their mouths. Also rinses the handle of the bucket, which scooped up water.

After bathing, guests enter a chashitsu, a low-entrance tea house in Japan. The narrow and low entrance is made so that even the most distinguished guest can bow. This means the equality of all participants. Shoes are taken off at the door.

Participants, entering the house, see that the fire is already lit and a copper kettle with water is above the fire. On the niche are flowers, a censer and a scroll with inscriptions and sayings. It is the inscriptions that set the theme of the tea ceremony. When all the guests have settled down and studied the scroll, the master enters.

Preparing to make tea

Entering the house, the master must bow. His place is near the hearth, in front of all the guests. Next to it lies the utensils necessary for brewing tea: a cup, a stirrer and a box with tea leaves inside.

While the water is heating, the participants are offered kaiseki. This is a light meal that relieves the feeling of hunger, but does not lead to full saturation. As a rule, these are simple and refined dishes of Japanese cuisine.

After the meal, guests leave the house for a short time to prepare for tea. At this time, the master changes the scroll to tyabana - a flower arrangement.

tea brewing

The guests return to the house and sit down in their place. The master takes action. Everything must be done in complete silence. Participants closely follow every movement of the master and listen to the sounds of water and fire, while they completely relax and meditate.

The owner makes a symbolic cleaning of the dishes and moves in the rhythm of his breathing. He pours the tea leaves into ceramic dishes, pours a small amount of boiling water and stirs with a bamboo stirrer until a green foam appears. After brewing, it is diluted with hot water until the desired consistency appears. For 0.5 l of water, you need to take 150 g of tea raw materials. The water temperature should not be higher than 90 degrees. You can use any variety of green teas.

The master with a bow serves the prepared tea - koycha - to the guest of honor. He takes the cup with his right hand and places it on his left palm, which is covered with a silk scarf. Then he takes a sip and passes it to another guest.

Each participant must repeat the procedure so that the bowl is again with the master. This rite means the unity of the audience. Further, the bowl, but already empty, is again sent in a circle. So guests can see her patterns.

Last stage

The tea ceremony in Japan is coming to an end. Next, the master prepares a light matcha tea for each guest separately. It is brewed from green tea powder. For a glass of water you need to take 5 g of raw materials.

At this time, you can start a conversation about a scroll with sayings, flower arrangements and tea utensils. Participants are served sweet treats called omogashi.

After the conversation is over, the master apologizes and leaves the tea house. The guests once again inspect the scroll, flowers, hearth and go outside. In parting, the master bows to each departing participant, thanking for the visit. When everyone has left, the owner meditates in the house for some more time, and then removes all the utensils and flowers.

Types of ceremony

There are many types of tea ceremonies in Japan. Let's highlight the most traditional:

1. Special tea ceremony. In Japan, it is held in honor of an event. For example, a friendly or business meeting.
2. Night ceremony. Starts at moonrise. Guests are invited to 23 o'clock, and see off only in the morning. The drink for the ritual is made very strong.
3. Ceremony at sunrise. Runs from 3 am to 6 am. Great time for meditation and relaxation.
4. Morning tea. To be carried out only in hot weather at 5-6 o'clock in the morning.
5. Afternoon tea. It starts at one o'clock in the afternoon, after lunch.
6. Evening ritual. It starts at 18:00 in the evening and lasts until sunset.

Today in Japan, the tea ceremony is a way to achieve meaning in life. Everything related to the ritual - a tea house, a garden, clothes, and gestures carry some philosophical views.

To participate in the tea ceremony means to be imbued with Japanese culture and its unsurpassed flavor. With the help of this tradition, you can relax and enjoy the tranquility.

The Japanese tea ceremony is an unusual ritual dating back to the Middle Ages. In fact, it has become an integral part of the culture of this eastern country.

Tea came to Japan thanks to Chinese Buddhist monks. In the context of such a historical past, many ordinary people assume that the Chinese and Japanese tea drinking traditions have a lot in common. In reality, everything is somewhat different, despite the presence of certain identical aspects. The main common link is the cult of tea and total immersion in the ongoing mystery.

We will not delve into the history of this event, but dwell on its key aspects.

House in the garden

Traditionally, small tea houses were located in secluded places, historically it so happened that these were mostly gardens. Guests should not enter at once and not all together. Shoes must be removed at the doorstep, and the rest of the things left in the room.

A small stone path leads to the house itself. Visually, it resembles a path in the mountains and is the personification of removal from the daily hustle and bustle and worries. In the evening and at night, the path is illuminated by small and not too bright lights, they should only illuminate the path, and not distract attention.

At the entrance there is a separate well, with water from which you need to wash your hands and face.

The house should be simple, without any display of wealth or luxury. Inside there is only one small room.

The ceiling area at the entrance is low, so that all travelers involuntarily bow their heads. Fully armed samurai could not pass through such an entrance, so they took off all the swords beyond the threshold, and with them worldly, state and family concerns.

Foundations and traditions

For the tea ceremony, ordinary dishes made of clay or ceramics are used. No frills - accessibility and simplicity. In Japan, not only old people are revered, but also the corresponding dishes, in contrast to the same European tradition.

The traditional set of everything needed for the ceremony was kept in small boxes. In comparison with the Chinese tradition, the set of items and accessories is more than modest: a small stirrer for tea leaves, a spoon for pouring tea, 2-3 cups for guests, 1 large cup with which everyone drinks, a kettle for brewing water and tea itself.

Water for brewing tea must be put on fire before the arrival of guests. Directly opposite the door, on the wall, hung an old rolled-up scroll with a certain dictum dedicated to the ceremony, by which the ancient Japanese determined the topic for all conversations. A small bouquet of fresh flowers and an incense burner were certainly present in the room.

The owner must meet the guests outside, but enter the tea house itself after everyone else. Until the tea is brewed, each visitor is offered light treats. After a short meal, everyone goes out into the fresh air and prepares for the main event - tea drinking. The owner needs to change the bouquet of flowers in the niche for a new one in a few minutes.

Gradually, the guests enter the room, and at this time the owner begins to brew a powdered drink. During this procedure, everyone carefully listens to the surrounding sounds, which creates the effect of light meditation and abstraction from problems.

Tea is poured into a large common bowl, gradually adding a small amount of boiling water to it. Slowly stir the bamboo product until a homogeneous mass is formed. A foam with a greenish tint should form on the surface. Then add water and get ready tea.

Of particular importance is the transfer of a bowl of drink.

After the host has bowed, he passes the fragrant drink to the most honored of the guests present. The left palm of the guest is decorated with a silk scarf. The bowl must be taken with the right hand, then put on the other hand and pour a small amount of tea. The handkerchief is placed on the mat, the outermost part of the common bowl is carefully wiped with a napkin, and the dish is passed around.

Then comes an equally important part of the tea drinking ceremony - a peaceful conversation of those present who enjoy tea. In this case, you can only discuss the topic that was indicated in the scroll.

After the topic has been discussed enough, and tea has been drunk, the owner leaves the house, and the guests at this time evaluate the environment.

Gradually they come out of the tea house. The host bows to each of the guests, maintaining silence. Then he enters the house and sits there for several minutes, remembering the feelings that accompanied him during the ceremony. At the final stage, everything is removed, and the house remains clean until the next ceremony.

Japan is a country of amazing traditions, culinary masterpieces that delight tourists from all over the world. One of the most enchanting features of this culture is the Japanese tea ceremony. This is the real art of making and drinking tea, a beautiful ritual that must be seen at least once in a lifetime. The tea ceremony in Japan has become a part of life, a tradition founded in ancient times, but preserved to this day. Therefore, it attracts those who wish to touch one of the most valuable rituals of this country.

A bit of history

The history of the tea ceremony dates back to the Middle Ages. Tea appeared in Japan in the 8th century. It is believed that Buddhist monks or travelers brought it. Tea was grown on the territory of the monastery and presented to the Buddha. It was used during meditation and religious events. It was the Buddhist priests who gave birth to the traditions of the tea ceremony in Japan.

Tournaments began to be held to guess the best varieties of this drink. Tea meetings were held among ordinary people, at which they tried to learn the aesthetics of this process. The tea ceremony itself was invented by Murat Dzuko. He added philosophy and sign language to this art. These were attempts to get away from worldly fuss to peace and quiet.

Features of the ritual

The Japanese tea ceremony is not just a technology for preparing and drinking tea. This is a lot of components that should accompany this ritual. The tea house for the ceremony, according to the founders, was supposed to be a small peasant hut with a thatched roof. Later it was improved by the followers of the teaching. The art of the tea ceremony in Japan involves the use of special ceramic dishes made by local craftsmen.

Around the tea house is a garden created according to certain principles. Etiquette was also developed for the participants in the ceremony, the topics and nature of the conversations, which should be relaxed and create an atmosphere of peace and detachment. A stone path leads to the tea house. There are many stones covered with moss and lanterns around. The garden is dominated by cypresses, evergreen shrubs, pines and bamboo. Everything should evoke thoughts of detachment and tranquility.

tea house

This is one of the important elements of the ceremony. The house consisted of one small room. The door was a narrow entrance no more than 60 centimeters high and wide. One of the principles of the ritual assumes the equality of all entering, and everyone must bend at the entrance, regardless of position. Such an entrance did not allow carrying weapons into the house, and all the swords remained outside. Inside there is no place for worldly fuss, everything is fine here.

The main component of the building is a niche, where there is a scroll with a painting, a censer with incense and a bouquet of flowers. This niche is located opposite the entrance and immediately attracts attention. Several windows of different sizes allow light to enter just enough to provide optimal illumination. Through them you can admire the beauty of the garden.

Development of the ritual

Every year the sequence of actions and manners of behavior became improved. Entering the tea garden, the guests were immersed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, leaving all the problems behind the gates. Before entering the house, it is customary to take off your shoes and leave them at the doorstep. In complete silence, everyone enters and sits down, imbued with silence and the beauty of the attributes. After a while, the host of the ceremony comes out and, having bowed to the guests, sits opposite, near the hearth.

Attributes of tea drinking

The tea ceremony in Japan is a leisurely ritual that helps to relax and indulge in meditation. For its implementation, special objects are used - real works of art. The main accessories are: a tea box, a wooden spoon and a cup. A kettle of water hangs over the fire. Each item has a certain aesthetic and philosophical meaning. This is not just a ritual - these are principles, comprehension of the great meaning of life. Therefore, all attributes are of great importance.

Tea ceremony

The host of the ceremony should pour green tea into a cup and pour boiling water over it. All gestures should be leisurely, without fuss. Then, with clear movements, the mass is whipped with a bamboo whisk. The tea powder should completely dissolve and turn into foam. All this time, the guests are watching the process and listening to the rhythmic movements. Then the bowl is passed to the most honored guest, and he takes the first sip, drinking tea. Everything is done slowly, without disturbing the general calm.

The bowl is then given back to the host of the ceremony. After that, it is passed from hand to hand so that each participant can feel the structure and warmth of the clay surface. Then a leisurely conversation began. It was necessary to talk about the beauty of the scroll and the bouquet located in the niche, about the properties of the cup for tea drinking. Problems and everyday affairs remain outside the tea house and garden. The whole ceremony takes place in three stages. The first is eating. This is followed by drinking thick tea, that is, the ritual described above. Then comes the drinking of liquid tea.

Ceremony principles

The tea ceremony in Japan has four main principles. They were formulated by the founder, Murat Dzyuko. The first principle is harmony ("va"). It must be present in movements and thoughts. The second is the respect ("kei") that accompanies the entire ceremony.

The third principle is purity (“sei”) of actions and thoughts. The last is peace and quiet (“seki”). The tea ceremony in Japan is held in silence, a calm atmosphere, where nothing disturbs the measured flow of life. Peace and quiet also imply enlightened loneliness.

The principle of harmony

The most important goal of any tea ceremony is to achieve harmony. Participants must renounce earthly problems, worries and thoughts. During the ceremony, there is no distinction between people and their origins. Everything comes together and harmony is achieved. This is the basis of the whole culture of this country. Harmony of thoughts not connected with worldly difficulties. Participants have a conversation about beauty, things related to the ceremony itself, and achieve unity in their desires, actions and thoughts. This is the purpose and meaning of such events.

The principle of reverence

This principle is based on the manifestation of tolerance and respect towards the older generation or towards other participants in the ceremony. It also underlies the upbringing that is instilled in the Japanese from childhood. Therefore, in this country, the level of reverence for the elderly, senior in rank and age, is the highest. Participants in the ritual must control their sensations and feelings and be tactful towards other people sitting in the tea house.

The principle of purity

This principle implies mental and physical purity. The intentions of each participant should be the brightest. There should be no evil or selfish intentions. Participants are required to be pure both in spirit and body. According to beliefs, such people will have good health and many blessings.

The principle of peace and quiet

The last principle implies complete peace of mind and peace. Each guest should calmly perceive the entire ceremony, with restraint and without irritation. The tea ceremony, the photo of which will leave the best memories, was created to bring people together and bring them to peace and tranquility. During the ritual, a friendly atmosphere is maintained, a polite and tactful attitude between all participants.

Guests Choice

The host of the ceremony is in charge of choosing the guests. The most important thing for him is the definition of the most honorary participant. This person must know the traditions of the tea ceremony and all the rules for its conduct. The main guest is an example for the rest of the participants.

He is notified of the ceremony at least a week in advance. After that, he gives his consent or refuses to participate in this action. The main guest, together with the host, selects the rest of the participants. The organizer of the ceremony sends him a list from which five people must be selected, or discusses this issue in a personal meeting. When the participants of the ceremony are selected, invitations are sent to everyone. Today, telephones are used for this purpose. Before, everything was much more complicated and more refined. In response, each guest was obliged to personally visit the organizer of the holiday or send him a letter of gratitude.

Clothes for the tea ceremony

Clothing for this ritual is selected depending on the type of event. For a formal celebration, men wear a silk kimono. Over it is a black cape with a painted white sign. They also wear wide trousers (hakama) and a white belt (tabi). Requirements for women's clothing are more stringent. Chief among them is the modesty of clothing. It should not be bright and defiant colors. Usually participants of the ceremony bring napkins with them. They must be placed behind the lapel of the kimono. They should also have a small and large handkerchief and a pointed wooden stick. These are necessary accessories for carrying out.

Varieties of the tea ceremony

The tea ceremony, the photo of which can be seen in this article, is divided into six types. The ceremony, performed under the moon, ends no later than four in the morning. Powdered tea is brewed during the tea party itself. It must be very strong. The ritual, performed at sunrise, ends no later than six in the morning. There is a morning tea ceremony in Japan. Briefly - this is a tea party after six in the morning.

The afternoon ritual is performed after one in the afternoon. The only food served here is cakes. At six o'clock in the evening, the evening ceremony begins. There is also a special ceremony, which is held on special occasions. For example, in honor of some memorable event. The most common is the afternoon ceremony. Each ritual has its own characteristics. They are not noticeable to the average layman, but connoisseurs feel the subtle nuances of various ceremonies.

Tea for the ceremony

Separately, it should be said about tea, which is used for tea events. In addition to dishes, furnishings, participants, the main component of the entire ritual is tea. It was originally shipped from China. Over time, the Japanese learned to cultivate and grow their own varieties of tea. Their difference from a drink of Chinese, Indian or Ceylon origin is very significant. Therefore, for this ceremony, you should choose only tea grown in this country. This is how the tea ceremony takes place in Japan, the photos of which make you want to visit this action. But it is best to see this ritual in reality and feel all its beauty and harmony.

Joint tea drinking, held in the form of a certain ritual, was born in Japan in the distant Middle Ages as one of the practical meditations of Buddhist monks, and later spread to other areas of Japanese life. The main goal of the Japanese tea ceremony is a meeting of the tea master with his guests for a conversation, joint relaxation with a leisurely tea drinking and enjoyment of peace and beauty.

Several types of traditional Japanese tea drinking

1. Special - such a ceremony is held if there is a certain reason: a meeting of friends, a holiday, and earlier - preparation for battle, etc.
2. Tea drinking at sunrise - it is held from 3-4 o'clock until 6 o'clock in the morning.
3. Morning tea ceremony - held at 6 o'clock. Especially popular in the heat, as at this time of day it is still cool.
4. Afternoon tea - starts at 13:00. Cakes can be served with tea.
5. Evening ceremony - at 18 pm.
6. Night - starts around midnight and can last until 4 am. It is most often performed when the sky is illuminated by the moon.

Venue for Japanese tea ceremony

A special place is set up for the classic Japanese ceremonial tea drinking. Usually this is a small tea garden (tyaniva), in which a tea house (chashitsu) and auxiliary buildings are built: an entrance hall, a pavilion for gathering guests. The tyaniva garden simulates a mountain slope with evergreens, moss and ancient dim lanterns. A path leads to the house, lined with the most ordinary stones imitating a mountain path. The whole territory is usually fenced and you can enter the ceremony through heavy wooden gates.

The chashitsu house is a simple, modestly furnished room, consisting of one room with a narrow and low entrance and several high windows. A small entrance is made so that everyone who enters can bow, and also leave behind the walls of the house not only weapons, but all worldly concerns. The most important part of the chashitsu is a niche in the wall - the tokonoma, equipped just opposite the entrance. Flowers, a censer with incense are placed in the tokonoma, and a scroll with a saying prepared for the ceremony is hung out. Tea is prepared in a bronze hearth located in the center of the room.

How is the tea ceremony in Japan

Guests invited to the tea party pass through the open gate to the tea garden, change their shoes in the hallway and gather in one pavilion where they are served small bowls of hot water. Then the guests walk along the stone path to the tea house, admiring the garden along the way and freeing their minds from everyday affairs. At the house, guests are met by the owner - a tea master, here a ceremony of greeting and washing takes place at a stone well located nearby. Each person who comes with the help of a ladle washes his face, hands, rinses his mouth and rinses the handle of the ladle, leaving it to the next guest. Now guests can take off their shoes at the doorstep and go inside the house. First, everyone should study the tokonoma saying scroll and understand the theme of the tea party. A little later, after the guests, the host enters. While the water in the cauldron heats up, those who come are served a light treat - kaiseki, after which the guests go out to warm up, and the owner changes the scroll in tokonoma for a symbolic composition made up of tree branches or flowers.

Then the ceremony participants return to the house, and the tea master begins to prepare thick green tea from the powder. First, everyone is invited to drink the finished drink from one bowl, and then each guest is served a separate cup of tea. The brewing and the first drinking of tea takes place in complete silence, and when everyone receives their cup of tea, the conversation begins. Sweets are served with tea. When the conversation ends, the owner, having apologized, leaves the house - this means that the ceremony is over. The guests once again inspect the tokonoma and the hearth and leave the house. The tea master bows to everyone who leaves, and then returns to the chasitsa, sits inside for a short time, immersing himself in the sensations of the ceremony, and then tidies up the house, takes the dishes and flowers...

Interestingly, the dishes intended for Japanese tea drinking are thoroughly washed, but do not scrape off the stubborn tea coating and keep traces of all previous ceremonies - traces of time.
Do not be upset if you cannot arrange a Japanese tea ceremony in accordance with all the rules - in the absence of opportunities, a separate room or even just a table is allowed.