The Program of Japanese Tea Ceremony

1. Preparation and Cleaning of the Tea Room:

The tea room is first cleaned thoroughly before the ceremony. The utensils required for the ceremony are arranged. The participants then wash their hands and rinse their mouth with water.

2. Entry and Bowing:

The guests are invited to enter the tea room. They bow, which is a sign of respect to their host and to the tea room they are entering.

3. Appreciation of the Tea Utensils:

The host brings out the tea utensils, and the guests appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship.

4. Preparation of the Tea:

The host prepares the tea by grinding the tea leaves into a fine powder. The powder is then whisked into a frothy mixture with hot water.

5. Presentation of the Tea:

The host presents the tea bowls to the guests, and the guests receive the bowls with appreciation, admiring the beauty of the bowls and their contents.

6. Drinking of the Tea:

The guests then drink the tea with small, respectful sips. After drinking, the guests wipe the rim of the bowl before returning it to the host.

7. End of the Ceremony:

The host cleans the tea utensils and the tea room before the guests leave. Before leaving, the guests bow to the host as a sign of respect and gratitude for the tea ceremony.