We are fortunate enough to have a friend that knows the owner of a school here where children and adults go to learn the traditional Japanese custom of Ocha-Chado, or The Tea Ceremony. And as it turns out, this is the only school of it's kind that incorporates Christian teachings - most are Buddhist, as you might imagine.
When we arrived at Unten-sensei's house (sensei is her title as teacher, Unten is the family name), we exchanged our shoes for Japanese style sandal shoes called 'getta' or 'zorri.' They were not so comfortable on our large American feet, but we didn't have to walk far..
Once we had our wooden sandals (they used the wooden ones because it was raining, otherwise they use ones made of woven straw), we followed a short stone path from the front door into a tiny but beautiful garden. There we found the purification station, where we symbolically washed our hands and mouths.
Next, we followed the path to the entrance of the tea house, which as you can see, is no bigger than an average window. We stepped up onto the stone, removed our shoes, and entered the tea house on our knees. Once inside, we were able to stand up and walk, but always stepping across the seams of the tatami floor with the right foot first (when leaving the tea house, you step with the left). You should not step on the edges of the tatami mats. (I asked about that later, she explained it was because the edges are weaker)
Then we stepped over to admire this scroll, which contains symbols that represent the four principles of the tea ceremony: Wa (Harmony), Kei (Respect), Sei (Purity) and Jaku (Tranquility). The ultimate goal of the tea ceremony is to attain Wabi-Sabi, which is translated as "a calm, contented and refreshed state of mind."
After everyone entered the room and sat down (we were on benches, though normally participants would sit on the tatami mats), Unten-sensei welcomed us warmly and explained the meaning and philosophy of the Tea Ceremony. We were given a verbal walk-through of the ceremony and the significance of each deliberate action. As our hostess began the process of making the tea, we watched silently, admiring her grace and marveling over each symbolic gesture like one might watch a great painter place strokes on a canvas.
When the first tea was prepared, but before it was served, Unten-sensei's assistant brought us each a moist sweet - a small, sweetened mochi-like treat - which we cut and ate with a small wooden skewer. After the plates were cleared, the first tea - or Okoicha - was served. This tea was the "ceremonial" tea, which we shared, three of us to a bowl. After lifting the bowl slightly in thanks and telling the person next to me "Osaki ni" or "excuse me for going before you," I turned the bowl twice clockwise and took a sip. It had the consistency of a smoothie, having been made with powdered tea leaves, and because the leaves were taken from an older plant, the tea was very bitter. As I took my two and-a-half sips (as is custom), I couldn't help but think that the sweets served before the tea made the bite that much stronger. I used the damp cloth provided to wipe the rim from where I drank (three times), then turned the cup twice counter-clockwise and passed it to the next participant with a bow. (To be honest, I didn't get all the steps totally correct, I think I was out of order somewhere, but this is how it should be done!)
After we finished with the Okoicha, a second sweet was served, this time dry. They were small and sugary, enough to counter the bitter aftertaste of the first tea.
As we enjoyed these, Unten-sensei prepared the next round of tea with amazing attention to every detail of the process. Once we finished our sweets, it was time for the second tea, or Usucha. This tea is not ceremonial and is considered more of a social tea. We each received our own bowl of tea this time and after giving thanks and turning the bowl as before, we sipped it slowly until it was gone. The Usucha was delicious. Made with young leaves, it was mild and frothy and like no other green tea that I'd tasted before. It didn't take us long to finish this tea, and while we waited for the assistant to collect our bowls, we had a chance to admire the beautiful pottery and the uniqueness of each of ours.
Once the bowls were cleared, we were able to ask questions and learn more about our hostess. Although she apologized for her limited English, Unten-sensei spoke the language very well and was able to share much with us.
In this photo, Unten-sensei was explaining the connection the ceremony has with nature. Everything used to make and serve the tea comes from the earth - the iron kettle, wooden utensils, the pottery, etc. Even before entering the tea room, nature is a part of the ceremony - walking on stones through the garden and trees, and washing at the stone basin with the clear ribbon of water. It was certainly one of the most beautiful and peaceful experiences I've had in Japan.
click on this next one so you can better see the beautiful autumn kimono our hostess was wearing!
