Sadou さどう (茶道)

Cha-no-yu ちゃのゆ or Sadou さどう is the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Both the host and guests share a sense of togetherness during the ceremony. The tea ceremony was perfected by tea master Sen no Rikyu せん の りきゅう in the 16th century.

When inviting the guests to a ceremony, the host always takes utmost care in the preparation of the tea room, the garden and tea utensils. It is important for the guests to express their sense of gratitude for the hospitality shown to them by the host.

During the tea ceremony, powdered green tea called Matcha まっちゃ is put into a tea bowl and hot water is added to prepare the tea. It is then whisked with a tea whisk till it turns foamy, and served to the guests. Japanese sweets are served before the tea. The tea ceremony etiquette has been influenced by the etiquette observed by the samurai class. In turn, the tea ceremony has greatly influenced traditional Japanese customs and manners. Inner spirit is considered more important the the ritual form in the tea ceremony, and the heart of the ceremony can be expressed with four Japanese words; Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku 和敬清寂. Wa means harmony, Kei means respect, Sei means purity and Kaju means tranquility.