The tea ceremony in Japan is an important part of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. Over a certain period of time, it turned from ordinary tea drinking into an entire art based on the philosophy of Zen Buddhism. There is a deep meaning hidden in every element and stage of the ceremony.
Everything is aimed at ensuring that the participants in this ritual not only take a break from the bustle of this mortal world, but also completely cleanse their mind and soul, achieving harmony. Perhaps only in Japan did tea drinking become a ritual with strict rules and a clear sequence of actions. This procedure took shape over the course of 700 years to become what it is now.
History of the ritual
The traditions of drinking tea began to take shape in the 7th-8th centuries, when tea leaves were imported from China. Initially, tea was consumed by monks during meditation. As Buddhism spread, tea grew in popularity throughout Japan.
By the 13th century, tea was consumed not only by the highest nobility, but also by commoners. Tea drinking then was a modest, measured conversation in the company of loved ones. The more ritualistic use of tea again arose thanks to the monks. One of the first to lay the foundations of the ceremony was the monk Dayo.
Subsequently, a great contribution to the development of the ceremony was made by Murata Juko, who formed the basic rules of tea drinking and determined the need for a tea house.
In the 16th century, the ceremony was further refined by tea master Sen no Rikyu, who formalized the etiquette and added a garden and stone path to the ceremony. Due to disagreements with the ruler Sen no Rikyu had to commit suicide, but his principles spread throughout the country. By the 18th century, the rules for the ceremony were finalized and were no longer changed.
Historical excursion
Judging by historical references, tea reached Japanese shores around the 7th-8th century. It was brought by Buddhist monks from China, who made tea drinking part of the practice.
Buddhist teachings spread, and with it, its traditions. Buddhists drank tea during meditative practices and gave it to Buddha as offerings. This is how the habit of drinking tea took root among Buddhist adherents.
In the 12th century, monk Eisai presented the ruler of Minamoto with a book that talked about the benefits of tea for a healthy and long life - the ritual of tea drinking began to spread in court circles. A century later, tea ceremonies became popular among samurai. They were distinguished by pomp and ritual.
Gradually, tea ceased to be exclusively a drink of monks - it gained momentum among aristocrats. They held real tournaments, during which different types of tea were tasted, and the participants had to guess what kind it was and where it came from.
The game element grew into a frenzy of celebration and fun - hundreds of men and women took baths - the so-called furo - filled with tea, which they drank from there. The whole event ended with buffets with a huge amount of treats and sake. At that moment, people thought about the medicinal properties of tea as the last thing.
Tea ceremony in Japan. Engraving
The common population, city dwellers and farmers, also enjoyed tea drinking. The rituals were more modest than among the nobility, but they helped to relax during a break between hard work, enjoy the moment and talk about abstract topics. All the elements - the adoption of tea furo, the strict rules of tournaments, the modesty of the ceremonies of ordinary people - later formed into a single ritual, which is now considered a classic.
Tea art reached its greatest development in the 16th-18th centuries. It is associated primarily with the name of Joo Takeno, who invented a special structure - a tea house - chashitsu, characterized by modesty and simplicity.
Later, his student Sen no Rikyu, in addition to the chashitsu, created a garden, as well as a path paved with stone - roji. At the same time, he defined etiquette: when and what to talk about, how the master should conduct the ceremony and fill the guests with harmony from the inside. Rikyu also introduced traditional utensils, and the tea ceremony began to be distinguished not by feigned, external beauty, but by internal beauty, hidden in soft colors and muffled sounds.
Sen no Rikyu (1522-12.04.1591). One of the founders of the Japanese tea ceremony
All Japanese began to get involved in tea drinking: from the poor to the imperial family. By the 18th century, a network of schools teaching tea crafts had emerged. They were led by iemoto - they helped students master the art, taught all the nuances: to understand the types of tea, brew it correctly, conduct casual conversations, create a friendly and harmonious atmosphere in the company.
Philosophy and special meaning
Once upon a time, tea drinking was carried out very luxuriously, but monks and tea masters followed the path of simplification, seeking to derive pleasure not from external, but from internal beauty. Murata Juko formulated the following principles of tea drinking, which are strictly observed to this day:
- harmony;
- respectfulness;
- purity;
- peace.
An important feature of the ceremony is its location. In addition to a special tea house, a garden and a stone path are required for the ritual. The entire environment should be simple, quiet and calm to conform to the concepts of Buddhism.
In general, the meaning of the Japanese ceremony is to enjoy simple aesthetics, leisurely conversation, and the taste and aroma of tea.
Types of ceremonies in Japan
Over many centuries, a large number of types of ceremony have developed in Japan, but some of the most common ones stand out among them:
- Night ceremony. Usually begins at moonrise, at 22-23 pm and continues until 4 am.
- Tea drinking at sunrise. Conducted from 3-4 to 6 am, ideal for relaxation and meditation;
- Morning ritual. Most often it occurs in the summer, starting at 5-6 o’clock in the morning, when the air is still cool and fresh.
- Afternoon ceremony. It starts at one o'clock in the afternoon after all participants have been treated to lunch.
- Evening ritual. It runs from 6 pm until sunset.
- Special tea ceremony. Held when celebrating any special events.
In addition to the above, there are other ceremonies, for example, a ritual during the winter solstice, or a meeting of a tea master with his students.
The video clip will tell you in detail about the Japanese tea ceremony, which has strict rules and is a kind of ritual.
Making tea
Water is poured with a special ladle
Now we should talk about the procedure for making tea. This is a real sacred rite, where every detail is important. First of all, they perform a cleansing ritual for the utensils, wiping all the dishes with an expensive embroidered silk scarf, washing a special whisk in hot water and pouring water with a wooden ladle. Tea is prepared in a metal kettle, and in a fairly concentrated form - about 150 g of leaves per 500 ml of water, the temperature of which does not exceed 90 degrees. The drink is boiled on a stand with sakura wood coals.
Having drunk the first, thick koicha tea, the master begins to prepare a more refined taste of matcha, powdered green tea, ground in a porcelain cup and mortar. Add one teaspoon of powder to 200 ml of water. The most important parameters are:
- Proportions: tea must be strong, which means you need to prepare it in a ratio of 1/5 to water.
- Water temperature: it should not be cool, but it should not be boiling water either. The ideal temperature is from 70 to 90 degrees.
- To ensure proper boiling of water, the Japanese can put additional pieces of metal into the kettle - tea masters even attach sacred meaning to this procedure.
Place of the ritual
The Japanese ceremony must be held in a specially designated place. As a rule, this requires a small plot of land with a garden and a tea house. There are no strict rules for their location, but all elements must be harmoniously combined with nature.
Tyaniva
A small tea garden, which is often made to look like a mountainside overgrown with trees. Typically, such a garden contains pine trees, cypress trees, and other coniferous plants. For decorations, stones of different shapes and sizes, as well as old lanterns, are allowed. All details should be selected in the most natural way to resemble natural unkemptness and at the same time create an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
Lanterns in the garden serve not only for decoration, but also to illuminate the path when drinking tea at night. It is important that the light of the lanterns does not attract much attention. It should be soft and subdued, just enough to see the contours of the road.
Rodzi
Inside the garden there is a stone path leading to the tea house. All roji stones are uncut and laid out randomly enough to in no way resemble a man-made pavement. The path should be as similar as possible to a path in the mountains. When a participant in the ceremony steps on the roji, he is immersed in a special state of concentration and at the same time forgets about his problems outside the garden.
As you approach the house, immersion in inner reverie and detachment from worldly concerns should increase.
Chashitsu
The tea house is a simple small building that should not distract from tea drinking. As a rule, chashitsu consists of one room, inside which there are 6-8 windows located quite high. It is important that the view from the windows does not attract the attention of those present.
Chashitsu has a low and narrow entrance. Historically, this was necessary to prevent samurai warriors from entering the teahouse with weapons. In addition, such an entrance forces everyone who enters to bow, regardless of their position and status.
The furnishings of the house are simple and ascetic: there are tatami mats on the floor, a fireplace for making tea is located in the center, and there should be a special niche or shelf on the wall - a tokonoma. On this shelf are placed incense, a special arrangement of flowers and a scroll with a saying appropriate for the occasion of the ceremony. All interior elements should be in harmony with each other and create a special atmosphere.
Rodzi
The tea path is built in such a way that its appearance is no different from a rocky path in the mountains - the stones are always of irregular geometric shape, different colors and sizes. The literal translation from Japanese “Roji” means “land covered with dew.” In ancient times, the path to the chasitsu was covered with what was at that time expensive paper, so that the clothes of rich guests would not get wet in the dew.
At the end of the roji there is always a stone-paved well with the purest spring water, from which guests draw water for the purpose of washing before crossing the threshold of chashitsu.
Dishes and accessories for the ceremony
Like other elements of the ceremony, the dishes should be pleasantly combined with each other. At the same time, it is not necessary for it to look the same, only a certain similarity is important, in which not a single item stands out from the general series.
The following items are required for tea drinking:
- chabako – a box for storing tea;
- traction – containers for heating water;
- chavan - a large bowl of tea, which is served to all guests during the first circle;
- hishaku, or chavan - small bowls for each guest;
- chasaka - a bamboo spoon for pouring tea;
- Kobukusa is a cloth used to serve cups of tea.
It is better if the teaware is simple and old, which has been passed down from generation to generation for many years. It is usually made of wood, copper or bamboo, and undecorated ceramics are acceptable for bowls.
Each item must be clean, but at the same time not washed to a shine. Ideally, the dishes bear traces of time, nobly darkening from prolonged use.
Ceremony stages: brief description
Participants are invited to the tea ceremony in advance, usually the number of guests is 5 people without the tea master. Clothes should be dull and plain; silk kimonos are best.
Before the ceremony begins, all participants are gathered in a special pavilion, where the details of the ritual are announced. Then the guests enter the garden and walk along the stone path. Passing through the tyaniva is necessary for the participants to tune in to a special mood, renounce their problems and worries, and begin to admire simple natural elements, bringing their consciousness into harmony.
At the entrance to the chasitsa, the master greets guests, after which ritual washing of hands and face is carried out using a special well located next to the house.
Next, all participants go into chaos, finally renouncing the world around them. The low entrance forces everyone to bow, symbolizing the equality of all present. Shoes should be left at the doorstep.
The master places a vat of water on the fireplace, and meanwhile the guests are offered small light snacks to satisfy their hunger. After the treats, guests are taken back to the garden and taken on a leisurely walk.
When the water in the vat boils, the guests are called back to the house, and the master begins to prepare tea from powdered matcha. Participants must silently follow this process, observing the confident and smooth movements of the master.
Thick tea prepared in chawan is passed around. Each guest should take a sip and pass it to the other, which emphasizes trust and equality between all participants in the ceremony.
Next, the master prepares a thinner tea, which is poured into individual chawans. Guests slowly drink tea, enjoying its taste and light, calm conversation.
At the end of the tea party, the master gets up, apologizes and leaves the house. The guests chat leisurely and enjoy the peace for a while longer, after which they disperse. The master subsequently returns and restores order to the chasitsu, finally completing the previous tea ceremony.
The principle of harmony
The most important goal of any tea ceremony is to achieve harmony. Participants must detach themselves from 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 entire culture of this country. Harmony of thoughts not related to everyday difficulties. Participants talk about beauty, things related to the ceremony itself, and achieve unity in their desires, actions and thoughts. This is the purpose and meaning of holding such events.
Tea schools in Japan
In modern Japan, there are more than 50 schools that teach not only how to make tea, but also introduce the philosophy of Buddhism, which is extremely important for immersion in the mystery of ritual.
The most honorable schools are the institutions that were once founded by the master Sen no Rikyu himself. As a sign of family kinship, all schools have the particle “Sen” in their name:
- Sansenke – basic school;
- Urasenke is the largest school;
- Omotesenke is the second largest and youngest school.
Representative offices of tea schools are located in 20 countries, including Russia.
How does the Japanese tea ceremony differ from the Chinese one?
Japan and China are countries where tea is treated with great respect, and therefore tea ceremonies have a special order. In both the Japanese and Chinese traditions, a lot of attention is paid to the type of tea, dishes, and method of preparation.
The difference is that the Chinese ceremony is more informal, a friendly conversation where the emphasis is on the art of brewing tea.
The Japanese tea ceremony is aimed at the internal state and purification of consciousness; it places special demands on the behavior of guests, the decoration of the environment, and ritual actions.
Is it possible to do this at home?
A simplified version of the tea ceremony according to Japanese traditions can be organized at home. You will need knowledge of the stages, rituals, a set of special dishes and utensils. It is also necessary to arrange a place for the ceremony.
The traditions of tea rituals in Japan have acquired national characteristics and become part of the cultural heritage. The study of the art of ritual and the rules of its implementation are taught for a long time in specialized schools in Japan.
The procedure helps to harmonize the emotional state, evaluate national varieties of tea, conduct the necessary negotiations, etc.
