The Japanese Tea Ceremony The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu
(hot water for tea in Japanese), came about when Japan adopted
both Chinese practices of drinking powdered green tea and Zen
Buddhist beliefs. In the 1500s, Sen No Rikkyu incorporated the
ideas of simplicity and that each meeting should be special and
unique into the tea ceremonies. The traditional Japanese tea
ceremony became more than just drinking tea; it is a spiritual
experience that embodies harmony, respect, purity and
tranquility. The host of the tea ceremony may prepare
extensively for the event, practicing hand movements and all
steps so that the ceremony is perfect, yet simple in every
detail. The ceremony can be performed in the home, a special tea
room, in a tea house, even outdoors. The décor for the ceremony
is simple and rustic and includes hanging scrolls (kakemono in
Japanese) that are appropriate for the season or feature well
known sayings. Before a Japanese tea ceremony begins, guests may
stay in a waiting room (machiai in Ja