In the United States we are often oblivious to other cultures, so I was very excited to participate in Japanese Tea Ceremony.According to japaneselifestyle.com, tea was introduced to Japan in the ninth century by a Buddhist monk from China. The site said the foundations for the tea ceremony were laid by the 13th century.
I walked into the room and was instantly welcomed by the hosts. The women weren’t completely comfortable speaking English and I don’t know any Japanese, but we were able to communicate what was necessary.
They led me to the tea room and asked me to take off my shoes. They showed me my place and demonstrated how to sit on my feet. It wasn’t bad at first, but within a few minutes my feet began to fall asleep and my legs began to ache.
Before the ceremony began the women explained that it takes many years to master the skills needed to be a host.
After I was seated on the rug, the host presented me with a sweet treat that looked like a wedding mint but tasted like powdery sugar. From this moment on the events followed a mock ceremony. The host performed all of the motions, but without the ingredients. She first ritualistically cleaned each utensil, including the tea bowl, whisk and tea scoop, and placed them in a precise arrangement.
The host next placed a measured amount of green tea powder in the bowl and added hot water, then whisked the tea with very precise movements.She served the bowl to me. The women told me to admire the bowl. Great attention is paid to the bowl by guests because the dish is often very old, often handmade, and has immense meaning to the family.
They then showed me how to turn the bowl so that I would not drink out of the front. Guests only drink out of the back of the bowl. When done drinking, the ladies showed how to properly wipe the bowl. You wipe the bowl so it is clean for the next guest.
When all the guests have had tea, the host cleans the utensils and then the guests examine and admire the utensils.
This ceremony was practice for the 12th annual Just Friends East/West event Sept. 26 at Harrison Lake Country Club. The luncheon, cultural exchange, silent auction and fashion show is a fundraiser for Just Friends. The silent auction will include Japanese kimonos and obis.
If you go:
What: 12th annual Just Friends East/West fundraiser.
When: Starts at 11 a.m. Sept. 26.
Where: Harrison Lake Country Club.
Events: Luncheon, cultural exchange, silent auction and fashion show.
Cost: $25 or $35 patron donation.
Reservations: Required by calling 812-372-6415.
Schedule:
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Silent auction including kimono and Japanese obi.
• Noon — Luncheon.
• 12:45 p.m. — Japanese kimono fashion show and tying of the obi.
• 1:15 p.m. — American fashion show by Lockett’s.
Information: 812-372-6415.
