Sado: The Way of Tea

For the past several months I have been learning a traditional Japanese art called Sado, or tea ceremony. It is the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered) green tea. It is more precise than I ever could have imagined; there is a correct way to carry out every movement and gesture. Objects should be picked up with a specific hand and held in a specific manner. Equipment required for the tea ceremony has to be laid out just so, and all objects must be ceremonially purified in the proper manner as well. Ones body positioning, the way one sits, stands, and walks is also very important.

The first time I practiced tea ceremony I felt like such a moron!! My tea ceremony teacher, Tabusa-san, performed it once for me to watch and then asked me to try. Of course I couldn't remember all the precise movements so she tried coach me along with words. There seemed to be a lapse between the words she was saying, my brain, and the movements of my hands though. I tried to carry out the movements exactly as she instructed me, but I just couldn't get it right!

When my mom visited me we went to Tabusa-san's house so my mom could see and try Sado for herself. Watching her fumble around and struggle to carry out the movements, just as I had struggled so much my first time, was absolutely hysterical! Sado is a pretty somber affair, and hysterical laughter normally wouldn't be appropriate, but in the company of close friends and family I just couldn't contain myself. It was pretty awesome.

After a few months of practice I was ready for my first real tea ceremony. It was at an Ohanami party held by the Imabari (my town) International Association. Ohanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, are a very big deal in Japan. Cherry blossoms are the essence of spring; and the blossoms' limited lifespan illustrates just how fleeting this life is. I wore a kimono for the event, which was exciting, but also a little uncomfortable. I felt a little awkward in it as my movements were slightly restricted. I was so nervous because I was still learning and I was still a little shaky on some parts. Not to mention that I would be performing in front of dozens of people! I got through it just fine though and it was a great experience. I think the Japanese people that attended the Ohanami were moved to see a foreigner like me trying hard to learn about their traditional culture.

Here are some photos from the event: