If you’re interested in having a tea-centered social event with your closest friends, then you ought to try the Japanese tea ceremony. This occasion has both social and religious elements. Depending on the time you have, you can choose from informal or formal versions of the ceremony. To perform the Japanese tea ceremony correctly, there are several items you’ll need to purchase if you don’t have them already. The article below gives a brief overview of the ceremony and lists the items you’ll need.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a highly structured affair that has both social and religious significance. Many see it as an opportunity for friends to gather and spend time in a relaxed environment. At the same time, the ceremony brings a great deal of artistic expression to the simple act of brewing and enjoying tea.
The actual ceremony varies depending on whether it is the formal or informal version. Chaji, the formal Japanese tea ceremony lasts from three to five hours. Normally it is an intimate gathering involving five guests at the most. The chakai is the informal version of the ceremony. Its duration is usually from 20 minutes to an hour. You can share an informal Japanese tea ceremony with one guest up to as many as you are willing to accommodate.
Here is a list of the items you’ll need to perform your own Japanese tea ceremony:
- Matcha or powdered green tea
- Chawan or tea bowl
- Chasen or tea whisk
- Chashaku or curved scoop made from bamboo
- Chakin or a white linen
- Hishaku or bamboo water ladle
- Fukusa or fine silk cloth
- Futaoki or green bamboo lid rest
Unless you have a well-stocked tea shop nearby, your best bet for locating and buying these items is eBay or other online vendors.