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The history of Japanese tea ceremonies

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or chado, is an intriguing cultural tradition involving particular procedures for drinking green tea. Practiced since the 11th century, this ritual has become an important tradition for the Japanese and their culture.

Curious to learn more about its history and rituals? Then have a click through the following gallery, and don’t forget your cup of tea!

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Chinese origins

Tea drinking first began in China. From the 2nd century BCE, Buddhist monks began to drink tea to help support themselves while they meditated and tried to avoid falling asleep. 

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Further developments

However, it wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) that tea drinking spread to the aristocracy, the only ones who could afford the drink. From China, the habit spread via traders and visiting monks. It eventually arrived in Japan, later evolving into a whole cultural experience.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The beginnings of tea ceremonies

In Japanese, a tea ceremony is called chanoyu, meaning “hot water for tea,” or chado, “way of the tea.” Prior to the Zen-like ceremonies, the aristocratic tea parties were much more rowdy with alcohol and tea-guessing games being played.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The new tea ceremonies

However, this all changed in the 15th century when shogun (military dictator) Ashikaga Yoshimasa made it into a much more sober and subdued event, transforming it to the ceremonies we know today.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The purpose of the tea ceremonies

The tea ceremony had become the ultimate setting for carefully displaying one’s expert knowledge of porcelain and other decorative objects involved in the ceremony.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

A calm setting

The tea ceremony also provided a tranquil setting for discrete conversation on sensitive subjects.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Zen and tea

The experience was meant to involve a spiritual element, a shared moment of calmness and reflection for the participants. This reflects the old Japanese saying cha-Zen ichimi, or “Zen and tea have the same flavor.”

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The tea ceremony evolution

One of the most influential figures on the evolution of the tea ceremony was the 16th century monk and tea master Sen no Rikyu. He made tearooms smaller and more intimate, and added details like perfectly arranged flowers.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The role of the tea masters

Rikyu was a typical tea master of medieval Japan, who served as an important advisor to the ruler, not only in etiquette, but also in politics. Tea masters would often act as official ambassadors and negotiators.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

A meeting spot

Rulers and warlords used tea ceremonies for their own political encounters. There, they would also exchange gifts such as Chinese and Korean porcelain tea bowls.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Part of Japanese culture

By the 17th century, tea ceremonies were no longer just for the upper classes. It had now become popular for all in Japan and an essential part of the culture.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The four qualities of life in Japan

The tea ceremony symbolizes the four essential qualities of everyday life in Japan: wa (“harmony”), kei (“respect”), sei (“purity”), and jaku (“elegance and tranquility”).

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Tearooms or tea houses

The most essential element for the medieval tea ceremony was a dedicated space in the home to conduct it. These spaces were known as chashitsu, or sukiya, meaning the “house of the imperfect.”

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The original structure

These medieval tearooms were simple and built with basic materials such as bamboo and unworked wood. By having a dedicated space, the tea drinkers could more easily detach themselves from their everyday worries.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Details of the space

The upper class would have a separate toilet and larger windows with paper screens for light to come in. Another important feature was a stone basin by the entrance, only to wash the hands before the ceremony.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Minimalism

The interior of minimalist tearooms would be copied in private homes of today. Elements such as the Japanese flower arrangement, known as ikebana, were popular decorating aesthetics.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

It’s in the details

From the details of the vase to landscape art, or the finest calligraphy, all of these decorative elements had to together provide a harmonious and calming atmosphere.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The perfect garden

The correct sort of view could help achieve the desired atmosphere of tranquility to the tearoom, which preferably would be a panorama of an immaculately-tended landscape garden.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Zen rock garden

Another popular type of garden is the Zen rock garden, a minimalist dry landscape garden consisting only of raked sand, gravel, and a few stones.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The calming garden

This type of small garden was designed for calming the guests on their way to the tea house. Rather than flowers, evergrass and moss are preferred, offering a calming effect before the ceremony.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The tea from the past

In medieval Japan, tea was usually prepared by pounding the leaves and making a ball with amazura (a sweetener from grapes) or ginger, which was then left to brew in hot water.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The tea from the past

The tea was then brewed in hot water, which had typically been boiled in an iron kettle over charcoal. The tea was strong and bitter, but could be balanced out with small sweets provided on the side.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

Tea of today

The green tea used today is matcha and is of the highest quality. The leaves are typically dried, grounded into a very fine powder, and then sprinkled and whisked into hot water.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The preparation

Methods of preparation varied as specialized tea schools opened, and each one had their own preferred approach. However, one thing that most tea drinkers agree on is the host should make the tea themselves, helping to create a greater atmosphere of intimacy.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The equipment

All the equipment used in the tea ceremony should be of the highest quality. Objects should be beautiful but also simple and exhibit the important Japanese aesthetic principle of wabi, the faded beauty of well-used objects.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The procedure

With the correct atmosphere and objects, one is then ready to make the tea. The important thing is to only make the minimum of movements, which should be precise, graceful, restrained, and all done in silence.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The procedure

The equipment should have already been laid out before the guests, and only the kettle is hidden from their view. When ready, the hot water is poured into the tea bowls, but only enough to warm them.

food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The procedure

Powdered tea is then added to the bowls, which are then topped up with hot water, and the mixture is whisked to make a frothy drink. The tea should be enjoyed in small sips.

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food, the history of japanese tea ceremonies

The finale

When everyone has finished, the equipments and bowls are cleaned and removed, leaving only the kettle before the guests. Some finer equipment may be returned in order for the guests to discuss their appreciation of them.

Sources: (World History Encyclopedia) (Rough Guides)

See also: Terrific tea houses around the world

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