the art of japan: multimedia


ACTIVITY 9 Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu)

Overview

Give students a true taste of Japanese culture in this traditional tea ceremony. Everyone will leave feeling rested and refreshed having experienced this tradition dating back to the 7th century.

Teacher Background

This ancient practice blends together art, nature, and man. It is a time for silence, meditation, and rest when the mind can concentrate on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity.

Materials

  • pottery tea bowl
  • sweets: fresh cake or rice cake
  • utensils: ladle, bamboo stirrer, spoon
  • red silk napkin
  • white linen cloth
  • powdered green tea
  • hot plate
  • pot
  • water
  • cushions (optional)
  • cups (one for each person)
  • kimono for teacher (optional)

Procedures

  1. Arrange a large area in the classroom where all the students can gather on the floor. Cushions may be arranged for students and guests to sit upon.
  2. Set up all materials used for the tea ceremony at the front of the group so that students can watch the process. You should have the water heating at this point.
  3. To authenticate this ceremony even more wear a kimono.
  4. Invite students and guests to come and sit upon the cushions.

  1. Directions for tea ceremony:

    1. Bow to the students and welcome them. "Yopku irasshaimashita" means welcome.
    2. Call each student by their last name, always adding the word SAN, a term of affection. Example: Marie Holland's name would be Holland-san.
    3. Serve guests and students a small rice cake or sweet. When the teacher says, "Orakuni," or "Please relax," the students and guests begin to eat their sweets.
    4. Prepare utensils:
      1. Clean the ladle (chashaku) with a red silk napkin.
      2. Wipe the rim of the pottery bowl (chawan) with a white linen cloth.
      3. Warm the pottery bowl with hot water. Pour out the hot water.
    5. Spoon the powdered green tea (ocha) into the pottery bowl.
    6. Ladle the boiling water into the bowl and stir vigorously with the stirrer until the tea foams.
    7. Ladle the tea into cups or bowls for the students.
    8. Students bow and sip the tea.

Extension

  • A less formal tea ceremony could be served on a bright red cloth outdoors on a nice day. A special treat to Japanese children, which could be included in this tea "picnic" is kanten or gelatin squares.

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