Tea+Ceremony

**さど/** **ちゃのゆ** The Tea Ceremony is a famous Japanese tradition of preparing and serving powdered green tea, called Matcha to a small group of guests in a tranquil setting. With this, sweets are served to balance out the bitter taste of the Matcha. The preparation of the tea is essential to the ceremony along with the setting and steps of serving the guests. To participate in this ritual you have to have a lot of knowledge on not only the preparation but also in the proper way to drink the tea, eat the sweets and the expected manners or gestures during the ceremony. The tradition of green tea preparation has evolved and changed over the years, it was not always celebrated as it is today. Originally green tea was grown in China and it wasn't until the years of 800-900 that the first seeds of green tea plants were brought to Japan.
 * Japanese Tea Ceremony**

** ちゃしつ ** There are many different sizes of japanese tea rooms according to the number of tatami mats they have on the floor. There isn't a certain position as to where the door is in relation to the host's mat. Sliding doors are commonly used because of more space and room design. Poetry and caligraphy is sometimes hung on the walls. There is always a fire pit placed somewhere in the room for preparing the tea. There is always an alcove in the room which is considered the most important part of room because it's where they hang the scroll and usually flowers so the chief guest is seated nearest to it.

** どぐ ** A large amount of tea equipment is needed for even the most basic tea ceremonies here are a few essential components:

chabako: a box that contains a set of tea utensils Chasen: a tea whisk made from a single piece of bamboo Chawan: a bowl that comes in many different shapes and sizes and that the tea is served in  Here is a link to a youtube video on how to prepare the Matcha: []