Japanese Tea Ceremony

Japanese tea ceremony is a joint tea drinking in a special, ritual form. It originated in this country in the Middle Ages. Initially, she played a role in the meditation process of Buddhist monks, and today it is an integral element of the culture of local residents.

Tea imported from the mainland began to be used in this country from VII-VIII cc. AD With the spread of Zen Buddhism to use it have become ubiquitous. Subsequently, a monk wrote a book about the benefits of tea, he was taken to the court of Shinok Minamoto no Sanetomo. This drink gradually took a worthy place among the samurai, aristocrats, events on the occasion of the "tea tournaments" were collected by a large number of participants.

Japanese tea ceremony was held with the tasting of a large number of beverage varieties, according to its taste, the place of growth of this unique shrub was determined. Tradition from the nobility gradually passed to the simple people, however it was not so pompous and solemn, but represented a simple meeting for sharing tea and leisurely conversations.

At the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony contains the Chinese Sunshine tea tradition, which was laid by the monks around 1236-1308. During this period, the art of preparing a fragrant drink and the first masters were trained. Japanese tea ceremony in a form, as we know it, was formed later, in 1481, thanks to Murat Dzyuko. She entered the tradition of the rulers and gradually passed on to their subjects.

The basis of it was the idea of "wabi" or the desire for naturalness and simplicity. It became the opposite of the more lush and luxurious "tea tournaments" held by samurais. The tea ceremony in Japan combines four basic principles: harmony, purity, sey, respectfulness of kei, peace, silence - sek.

In the future, the traditions associated with tea drinking only evolved. In the years 1502-1555. Began to use for their conduct special tea houses, or "tsuitsu." In order that they correspond to the principle of harmony (va), they began to be built in the style of peasant houses with thatched roofs. Tea ceremony in Japan from this period began to occur using ceramic dishes.

A little later about this house began to create a garden with stone paths (rodzy), which was called "tjaniva". At the same time the etiquette of the ceremony was formed, the sequence of actions of the persons taking part was determined, as well as the topics of the conversations being held behind the tea-drinking. All around had to create an atmosphere of tranquility, an opportunity to move away from cares, approaching beauty and truth.

These innovations added another principle called "sabi". He meant the presence of a hidden beauty that was not conspicuous, which should have been in simple things, calm tones and colors, quiet sounds. In fact, there was a whole mini-play, it was considered as a form of spiritual practice, and all actions, details and objects had their own symbolic meaning.

Mysterious and interesting country Japan! Traditions of this state evolved over the centuries. The tea ceremony known to us during its existence has acquired several varieties. Among them there are six main ones: the night one at the moon; With the rising of the sun - from 3.00 to 6.00 in the morning; Morning - in hot weather; Afternoon - around 13.00; Evening - after 18.00; Special - on special occasions.

What is so full of charm and originality of Japan! Her traditions, like herself, sometimes seem incredible. Here everything is unusual: geisha, Kabuko performances, even the traditional Japanese way of life is very unusual at first acquaintance. It is interesting that everything looks a little sham, but it remains real. The Japanese are really amazing people, they worship the beauty of nature, live in harmony with it and respect its greatness.