{"id":1673,"date":"2015-08-07T17:12:10","date_gmt":"2015-08-07T21:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.davidstea.com\/en\/?p=1673"},"modified":"2019-04-22T13:45:10","modified_gmt":"2019-04-22T17:45:10","slug":"tea-around-the-world-japan-and-the-matcha-tea-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.davidstea.com\/en\/tea-around-the-world-japan-and-the-matcha-tea-ceremony\/","title":{"rendered":"Tea Around the World: Japan and The Matcha Tea Ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time:<\/b> <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

The Japanese Tea Ceremony <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Chanoyu, AKA The Way of Tea, is a timeless tradition and has been central to Japanese culture since the 1400\u2019s. Complete with its own a code of ethics and morals, this matcha tea ceremony represents a way of life and a state of mind, all revolving around four basic principles: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. If patience is a virtue, the Way of Tea is as virtuous as it gets.<\/p>\n

\"Tea<\/a><\/p>\n

Cha, Cha, Cha<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are two types of Chanoyu: the Chaji and the Chakai.<\/p>\n

The Chaji is the most formal of the two and can last up to four hours. <\/em>It includes a reception, a meal then a short pause, followed by a full tea ceremony. The Chakai is a shorter version that lasts about 30-45 minutes. This condensed ceremony features a light matcha served with sweets.<\/p>\n

Step by Step<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, there is a specific set of tools required for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. To set up your Chanoyu, you\u2019ll need a c<\/em>loth napkin (linen or hemp), a tea bowl, a\u00a0teaspoon<\/a><\/span> and a tea whisk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

There is also a set of guidelines that must be followed. While each carries specific meaning and actions, the seven Rules of the Tea Ceremony are described as follows:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Arrange the flowers as they grow in the fields.<\/li>\n
  2. Arrange the charcoal to heat the water.<\/li>\n
  3. In summer, evoke coolness.<\/li>\n
  4. In winter, evoke warmth.<\/li>\n
  5. Take care of everything ahead of time.<\/li>\n
  6. Be prepared for rain.<\/li>\n
  7. Give every one of your guests your full attention.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    So how exactly do these steps translate into a cup of matcha? This video does a great job explaining it.<\/p>\n