The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as “Chanoyu” (茶の湯) or “Sado” (茶道), is a traditional ritual that involves the preparation and consumption of matcha, a powdered green tea. It is a highly choreographed and serene practice that embodies the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Here are some essential words and phrases related to the Japanese tea ceremony:
1. 抹茶 (Matcha) – Powdered green tea
The high-quality, finely ground green tea used in the tea ceremony.
2. 茶碗 (Chawan) – Tea bowl
A bowl used for preparing and serving matcha tea.
3. 茶筅 (Chasen) – Tea whisk
A bamboo whisk used to whisk the matcha and hot water together to create a frothy tea.
4. 水指 (Mizusashi) – Water container
A lidded container used to hold hot water during the tea ceremony.
5. 茶杓 (Chashaku) – Tea scoop
A bamboo scoop used to measure and transfer matcha into the tea bowl.
6. 茶巾 (Chakin) – Tea cloth
A small, white, linen cloth used to clean the tea bowl and whisk during the ceremony.
7. 水指巾 (Mizusashi kintsugi) – Water jar cloth
A small cloth used to wipe the water jar and the tea container.
8. 柄杓 (Hishaku) – Bamboo ladle
A long-handled ladle used to transfer hot water from the kettle to the tea bowl.
9. 水指立て (Mizusashi tate) – Water container stand
A stand used to hold the water container during the tea ceremony.
10. 茶席 (Chaseki) – Tea ceremony setting
The designated area where the tea ceremony takes place, often in a traditional tea room.
11. 床の間 (Tokonoma) – Alcove
A recessed space in the tea room where a scroll and seasonal decorations are displayed.
12. 茶室 (Chashitsu) – Tea room
A dedicated room designed for the tea ceremony, featuring simple and traditional aesthetics.
13. 床の間畳 (Tokonoma tatami) – Tatami mat in the alcove
The tatami mat in the tokonoma where guests sit during the tea ceremony.
14. 畳 (Tatami) – Traditional Japanese floor mat
The straw mat covering the floor of the tea room.
15. 茶事 (Chaji) – Formal tea gathering
A full tea ceremony experience with multiple courses, often lasting several hours.
16. お点前 (Otemae) – The act of making tea
The process of preparing and serving tea in the tea ceremony.
17. 主賓 (Shuhan) – Guest of honor
The most respected guest in the tea ceremony.
18. 茶飲み (Cha-nomi) – Tea drinker
A guest who drinks the tea prepared in the ceremony.
19. 茶事手前 (Chaji temae) – The act of hosting a tea ceremony
The role of the host in conducting the tea ceremony.
20. 点前服 (Temae fuku) – Tea ceremony attire
Traditional clothing worn by the host and guests during the tea ceremony.
21. 仕切り (Shikiri) – Preparation
The initial setup and arrangement of tea utensils before the tea ceremony.
22. 一服 (Ippuku) – A single serving of tea
A portion of tea served during the ceremony.
23. 入れ点前 (Iretemae) – Preparing the tea container
The act of preparing the tea container and scooping matcha before the actual tea preparation.
24. 点茶 (Temmacha) – Preparing the tea
The act of whisking the matcha and hot water together to create the tea.
25. 茶事一式 (Chaji isshiki) – Tea ceremony utensils
The set of tea utensils used in the tea ceremony.
26. 合掌 (Gasshou) – Greeting gesture
A gesture of respect where the palms of the hands are brought together.
27. 茶事中 (Chaji naka) – During the tea ceremony
Referring to the period when the tea ceremony is in progress.
28. 茶道具 (Chadougu) – Tea ceremony utensils
The various tools and equipment used in the tea ceremony.
29. 後切り (Uchikiri) – Closing the tea container
The act of closing the tea container and returning it to its original position.
30. 煎茶 (Sencha) – Steeped green tea
A different type of green tea, brewed in a teapot rather than using matcha powder.
These words and phrases will help you navigate and appreciate the intricacies of the Japanese tea ceremony, a deeply revered and culturally significant tradition that exemplifies the spirit of harmony and mindfulness in Japanese culture.
