Learning the Ways of Japanese Tea
Sick of your everyday run of the mill Tim Horton’s Orange Pekoe? How about try something a little more rich and steeped with over 900 years of tradition?
On March 21st, friends and members of JETAA had the chance to do just that, by attending a Japanese Tea Ceremony here in Toronto. The ceremony was presented by the Discover Japan Program of the JCCC with the help of four knowledgeable teachers trained in the art and traditions of Sadou: Yamamoto-Sensei, Suzuki-Sensei, Tsugita-Sensei, and Ota-Sensei. Together they were able to help educate us in the proper techniques associated with drinking tea à la Japonais.
The evening began with two brave volunteers, Mike and Margarita, who were quickly transformed into our very own Tea Ceremony models.
Wrapped in beautiful silk kimonos and sitting seiza for the duration of the 15 minute lesson, they did a great job of demonstrating the do’s and do not’s of Sadou. From how to delicately pick up chopsticks, to humbly bow in the correct direction, our volunteers and Yamamoto-sensei helped show how complicated drinking tea could be.
Throughout the evening the four crucial elements of Tea Ceremony were visibly noticeable: harmony, respect, cleanliness, and silence. As inexperienced Japanese Tea Connoisseurs, we tried to exemplify those elements but at times may have fell victim to incorrectly bowing or turning our cup the wrong way. However, the teachers were very understanding and kind in this regard and for the most part we enjoyed it, mistakes and all.
Overall, it was a great cultural experience, for both those who have or have not participated in a Tea Ceremony before. Many thanks for those who came out on the Thursday night and also to our lovely Sadou teachers. Until Next time, “Enjoy Drinking”!
Report and photos by Judy Cerovski