While in Tokyo, we visited The Koomon where we learned about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
This cultural activity originated in the 9th century. It involves ceremonial preparation and presentation of powered green tea. The ceremony usually includes sweets and/or a light meal (I ate mine before taking a picture of it) and can last anywhere between 1 - 4 hours depending on how formal the ceremony is.
The techniques used are very poised and have been perfected throughout the last 700 years. Attention to detail is a must as admiring simplicity is the first step of the ceremony.
Calligraphy is often associated with tea ceremonies. Scrolls are usually hung in the ceremony room to honor both the guest and occasion. The scrolls usually have seasonal phrases written and are often times accompanied with a flower arrangement of some sort.
In Asia, green tea is used both as a beverage and medicine helping everything from controlling bleeding, healing wounds, regulating body temperature, blood sugar and digestion.
Below is a picture of the tea that was served to us at The Koomon. It was bitter, strong and thick, definitely something I'm NOT used to. Lucky for us, they only served a little bit because 2 days later, my urine was still coming out green.
Below is a picture of us with the nice lady that taught us how to make the horrible tasting beverage.
Special thanks to The Koomon for such amazing hospitality. Even though I didn't like the taste of the tea, I drank it all and was grateful for the learning experience.
2 comments:
Is that the only kind of tea they make at the ceremonies, or is that the one they chose for you?
nope, that's the only kind they serve. omg steph, its HORRIBLE!!!
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