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Japan House – Japanese Tea Ceremony
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University of Illinois – Japan House
A short walk to the Japan House welcomed us to place our busy life aside and enter nature’s realm. Looking out at the gardens filled with vegetation, stone, and water, the symmetrical patterns brought nature inside, preparing us to enjoy, relax, and connect with each other. Our hostess told us to set the hustle and bustle of the outside world momentarily aside.
University of Illinois – Japan House Entrance
Japanese Tea Ceremony – a moment of inner peace while enjoying a small cup of tea
The tea ceremony involves the practical and aesthetical Matcha Tea preparation and the attempt to connect with the guests, and sometimes with nature at a high spiritual level.
Exterior Gardens Adjacent Japan House
Japanese Tea Ceremony – Japan House
A hostess appeared inviting us to our Ceremonial Tea that followed very specific steps.
The Host or Hostess Prepared for the Tea
We were invited to bring harmony to our souls. The practical preparation started with choosing the right tools, which depended on the season and the part of the day the ceremony was taking place.
The Guests Prepared for the Ceremony
We needed to wash our hands in an attempt to symbolically get rid of the “dust” from the outside world and then enter the tea room with a respectful bow.
The Tools Are Cleaned
The actual preparation of Matcha Tea didn’t start until the host or hostess brought in the tools, cleaned them in front of us before using them. The room was completely quiet since no unnecessary words were allowed during the ceremony.
Matcha Tea Is Prepared
The host or hostess added three scoops of Matcha tea powder per guest into the tea bowl. After adding the powder, the hot water was also added to the bowl and the composition was whisked into a thin paste. Later more water was added.
Matcha Tea Is Served
The host or hostess presented the prepared tea bowl to the main guest. The first guest admired the bowl and then rotated it before taking a drink. The guest wiped the rim of the tea bowl and then offered it to the next guest, who repeated these movements.
Japanese Tea Ceremony – Good to the Last Expected Slurp
The Ceremony Is Completed
After all the guests drank their tea, the host or hostess cleaned the bowl, rinsed, and cleaned the tea whisk and scoop again. The guests needed to inspect the tools used in the ceremony after they were cleaned as a sign of respect and admiration for the host or hostess.
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