Japanese Spring Tea Ceremony

The springtime, Hanamatsuri, or “Flower Festival”— One of the key rituals practiced in spring is the tea ceremony, an ancient art that promotes appreciation of nature and beauty. 
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The spring season in Japan is typically heralded by Hanamatsuri, or “Flower Festival,” and one of the key rituals practiced at this time of year is the tea ceremony, an ancient art that promotes appreciation of nature and beauty.

The tea ceremony, with its strict rules of etiquette, epitomizes the politeness that is a means of self-preservation in crowded Japan. Rules govern how to brew and serve the fine tea, how to hold and admire the tea bowls, and how the guest verbally responds to the server.

The goal of the ceremony is contentment in one’s lot and the teaching of the virtues of urbanity, respect, cleanliness and imperturbability, according to one published assessment.

More and more ceremonies are being conducted in the misono-dana style, in which participants sit in chairs rather than on their knees on tatami mats. Guests are traditionally served tea and small cakes, typical of those served at similar traditional celebrations in Japan.

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber , is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia