By these words, Sen Rikyu established an essential concept in chado, the way of tea. Chado has developed over the more than four hundred years since the time of Rikyu so that host and guests might share a bowl of tea in a comfortable atmosphere conducive to mutual exchange. Based upon a prescribed set of movements, unique utensils, and Japanese traditional history and culture, participation in tea gatherings can certainly appear daunting. However, as long as the guests can appreciate and enjoy the moment shared over tea with the host, then the tea gathering is a success. From four hundred years ago until today, all over the world, such gatherings occur. The exact method and style varies depending on the host, location, and season, yet the fundamental purpose remains unchanged.
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Attending a Tea Gathering
A tea gathering, or chakai, is where a host invites guests and makes tea for them according to methods established in the practice of chado. Such gatherings are often held to celebrate seasonal phenomena (the harvest moon, cherry blossoms, etc), traditional holidays (Tanabata, Setsubun, etc) and special occasions. A formal tea gathering is known as a chaji, and includes a kaiseki meal, an omogashi (moist sweet), koicha (thickly blended matcha tea), and then higashi (dry sweets) and usucha (whisked matcha tea). In most situations in this modern age, chakai consist of the host serving the guests a sweet and usucha.
Let us see what the general etiquette is for guests at a typical modern-day chakai. |