The Ritual of Tea
The first evidence of people drinking tea occurred in China during the second millennium BCE, during the Shang Dynasty. During the subsequent millennia, the types of tea and their cultural implications increased as they touched cultures across the world. However, many tea enthusiasts believe the Japanese traditions of tea drinking - and Japanese tea drinking rituals - convey some of the most elegant and meaningful uses of tea.
Those who honor the traditional Japanese tea ritual know it is more than just a way to appreciate drinking tea – it is a philosophy and a way of life. Mindfulness and meditation are an integral part of the tea ritual. Each deliberate, choreographed movement can allow the server and participants to focus on the sensations of each moment.
As you participate in the ceremony, each movement, sight, and sensation provides a way to relax and reflect mindfully on your inner balance as a retreat from the chaos of today's busy world. Here are five meaningful elements of the tea ritual:
The Tea Room
A tea ceremony occurs in a special room designed to evoke a spirit of serenity. The rooms are intentionally small and crafted from neutrally colored natural materials. Their simplicity is intended to help the participants stay mindful.
The Tea Utensils
The utensils of the ceremony are chosen for their beauty, quality, and ease of use. The most important utensils are the tea bowl (chawan), the scooping utensil (chashaku), and the mixing whisk (chasen). The choice of teapots is also instrumental in creating the full Japanese tea experience.
Flowers and Incense
Flowers are traditionally added to bring natural beauty and brightness to the neutral colors of the room. The flowers chosen should not have a strong scent, and their arrangement should be simple. Incense is sometimes burned to evoke calm and enhance the sensuality of the experience. Favored scents may include cedar and frankincense.
Calligraphy
The hosts of each tearoom choose calligraphy scrolls to help center the ritual participants. Calligraphy scrolls are a required part of the ceremony. Messages may include Zen principles or characters for individual concepts such as "peace," and "serenity.”
Tea Choice
Two main types of tea are chosen for drinking during the tea ritual. Thin tea, called usucha, takes less time to prepare. Koicha is a thicker tea, requiring three times as much tea powder. Both types of tea are mixed with a tea whisk, but Koicha also takes longer to prepare.
Find Your Japanese Tea Components at Rikumo
Consider acquiring a Japanese teapot to participate in a traditional tea ceremony. At Rikumo, we honor Japanese culture with our special line of the finest teapots, cups, and organic teas. We recommend our blue Iwachu Zakuro cast iron teapot for your first acquisition. Traditionally known as tetsubin, these teapots were once a status symbol for Japanese emperors and are now an integral element of Japanese tea ceremonies.
Rikumo recommends selecting from our line of Japanese organic tea and teaware when ready to add more elements to your Japanese collection. Matcha lovers enjoy our collection of ceremonial-grade matcha tea. Try our Morihata Organic Hayashi Black tea bags if you prefer black tea. To craft your tea, accessorize with a bamboo tea scoop, a bamboo whisk, or a cherry birchwood tea canister.
Browse Our Website for Japanese Tea and Accessories
Rikumo was created in 2009 by Kaz and Yuka Morihata, who wanted to bring the world of Japanese design and culture to those who can appreciate the exquisite charms of the Japanese tea ritual. If you are near Ardmore, PA, please visit our Rikumo Concept Store. Meanwhile, you can browse our website to learn more about purchasing items from our full tea line including teaware, cups, and teapots.