Japanese Tea Ceremony is a traditional art inspired by Zen Buddhism where the practitioner prepares matcha (Japanese powdered green tea) in a codified ceremony in order to serve it to a small group of guests. Also called “the Way of Tea”, Chadō (茶道), it is a timeless moment where participants are dressed in kimonos (traditional Japanese garments), and find spiritual rest in a calm atmosphere, letting the colors of the setting and the sounds around them come to the fore, while enjoying matcha and small sweet treats. Matcha is whisked and then served with hot water, accompanied by sweets called wagashi (和菓子). During this time, one can study the entirety of Japanese culture in condensed form : traditional kimono wearing, green tea, calligraphy, Ikebana (flower arrangement), incense, Japanese cuisine, pottery, Zen… It is said to be the culminating art of Japanese culture. Aesthetics is more than an important point during the Tea Ceremony, as it demonstrates a true form of respect and friendship towards guests. There are 4 key concepts that the Japanese Tea Ceremony honours :
- Wa (和) meaning harmony with nature
- Kei (敬) meaning respect
- Sei (静) meaning purity
- Jaku (寂) meaning tranquility