August 3rd 2024
The calligraphy is わけいせいじゃく(wa ke i se i ja ku) highlights the core values of the tea ceremony: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. These four elements are central to the practice.
The demonstration showcases 御園棚 (mi so no da na) is a style of the tea ceremony where participants sit on chairs rather than on tatami mats. This adaptation is intended to provide a more comfortable experience for those unfamiliar with traditional Japanese seating.
Hatsugama is a traditional Japanese event held to celebrate the beginning of the New Year. The term “Hatsugama” translates to “first kettle” in English, referring to the first tea ceremony of the year.
The Hatsugama ceremony is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition, and it holds significant importance in the practice of tea ceremonies, which are known as “chanoyu” or “sado.” The ceremony involves the preparation and serving of matcha, a powdered green tea, in an intricate and highly ritualized manner.
Children who have been studying tea ceremony
demonstrated their skills in front of parents. In
addition to the four Association members who have
been volunteers at the tea ceremony club (Tomomi
Nakaya, Mihoko Ura, Yoko Sullivan), several other
Association members (Ryoko Freeman, Taeko Pegios,
Yen-Yu Lin, Yumiko Gertler, Yukiko Uchida) attended
the Family Fun Day. Some of the mothers of the
students also assisted on the day. Lunch boxes, snacks
and water were provided by the chado club.
We had beautiful weather, and all the students did
wonderful and confident performances in front of
their parents and other members of the audience.
Most sessions were at capacity.
Everything ran smoothly on the day, thanks to the
wonderful work of all the helpers who attended, and
everyone worked very hard to ensure it was a success.
The money made on the day from the sale of tickets
will be used by the Chado club to buy utensils for the
club, once the tea cost and lunch box cost have been
deducted
October 16th 2022, Japanese Tea Ceremony in Royal Botanical Garden.
June 9th 2023, Kencha is a ritual tea offering performed on a special occasion, often accompanied by prayers and wishes for peace.
