Transcript Tea Ceremony

Tea Party!
The Japanese
tea ceremony is
called chanoyu
茶の湯
Literally
meaning…
"tea hot-water")
It is a
multifaceted
traditional
activity strongly
influenced by
Zen Buddhism,
in which
powdered green
tea, or matcha
(抹茶) , is
ceremonially
prepared and
served to others.
According to the "Latter Chronical of Japan" (日本後記; Nihon
Kōki), drinking of tea was introduced to Japan in the 9th
century, by the Buddhist monk Eichū (永忠), who had
returned to Japan from China.
Tea equipment is called chadōgu , 茶道具,
literally "tea tools"
A wide range of chadōgu is necessary for even the most basic style of chanoyu.
Chakin 茶巾
chawan 茶碗
a small
rectangular
white linen or
hemp cloth
mainly used
to wipe the
tea bowl
Tea bowels
chashaku 茶杓
Tea scoop
chasen 茶筅
Tea whisk
While a kimono used to be the common attire for the Japanese,
and thus was the standard attire for participants in chanoyu,
this is no longer the case. Still, it is traditional, and on formal
occasions most guests will wear a kimono. Consequently, the
study of kimono is an essential part of learning chanoyu, and
most practitioners will own at least one kimono which they will
wear when hosting or participating in chanoyu.
The kimono used to be mandatory dress for students of
chanoyu, and while this practice continues, many teachers do
not insist upon it; it is not uncommon for students to wear
western clothes for practice. This is primarily born of
necessity: since most people cannot afford to own more than
one or two kimono, it is important that they be kept in good
condition. Still, most students will practice in kimono at least
some of the time. This is essential to learn the prescribed
motions properly.