N 84  The Tea Ceremony I had participated in

I was not in Japan , but at the Japanese ambassador’s residence. I had never dreamt to be in such a place. But because of a desire and some words I had uttered, that I who shun societies and activities had to be at the said place.

I had only spoken of my desire to plant cherry trees in Taunggyi, not only the native flowers , but also new species too. ( My blog No 7 The Cherry Trees of Taunggyi ) But now due to the efforts of the  people concerned the special Sakuras from Japan had finally reached our Myanmar soil and would  be handed to me as Taunggyi’s representative at this ceremony.

Ma April, the main person to make  this purpose successful made arrangements for me to get there. There were about 15 invited guests  and all  were  people who had helped to get the Sakura plants legally into the country. Also present  were needless to say the Sakura Exchange Association headed  by Mr Yamamoto and some Japanese nationals .

After a speech explaining why this ceremony was held by one Japanese personnel and my thanking speech, I had to walk to the top of the room  and received a model Sakura plant from Mr Yamamoto.

Thus the purpose of the ceremony concluded and some entertainment began. First a Japanese man sang a traditional song accompanied by his musical instrument, the Biwa. After that the tea ceremony began, but as the room is small we had to go in 6 at a time.

The room is fixed with tatami mats and in one corner is an alcove which displayed a hanging scroll. There is an adjoining room from where foods can be brought into this room. At the top the tea master who would be preparing tea sat in a kneeling position. We all sat at the end near the entrance in  kneeling position too . The tea master and all the Japanese ladies who were  helping there all wear kimonos.

At first the ladies brought us a small wooden plate with a lump of mochi ( Japanese rice cake ) and 2 candies, one in the shape of a cherry blossom, because this ceremony was about Sakura, and the other in the shape of waves. Oh… how artful are Japanese. These sweet candies had to be taken first because the tea is a little bitter, one lady explained to us.

When the plates were placed in front of each of us the giver as well as the receiver had  to place the 2 hands on the floor and bow to each other. While some started to eat the cakes the tea master started to prepare  the tea. He put some tea powder ( green colour )in a ceramic bowl and took some hot water from a ceramic jar which was in front of him  using a  a bamboo cup with a long handle and poured it into the ceramic cup and stir it with a tea whisk, so that it turned into a thick mixture .

Then one lady took the tea cup with both hands and placed it in front of the first guest  who was nearest to the tea master. Bows were exchanged once again and then the guest took the bowl with 2 hands and placed it in his left hand . Also to  hold the bowl with  his right hand he had to spread his thumb and pointer apart and placed them around the rim of the  bowl. He turned the bowl clockwise 2 times, as was the custom.  Before taking a few sips the  guest  bowed to the second guest.  After that the guest wiped clean the rim of the bowl and then put it down on the floor.

Tea was made and offered to one at a time. When our  turn came we had to be instructed again and we tried to do our best.

Japanese tea ceremony is meant to demonstrate respect through grace and good etiquette.I as well as many other people have heard of this tea ceremony , but I think only a few lucky people  had   experienced it. Beside receiving special Sakuras for our Taunggyi today I was also lucky enough to have to experience Japanese tea ceremony . So I am thankful  to the Japanese Sakura Association for the special Sakuras, and to  all people who made it possible for the Sakuras to reach our hometown, to HE the Ambassador for not only hosting this ceremony but also let us taste a piece of Japanese culture. As for me it is an experience I am not going to forget.