The Way of the Tea
An Exploration of Japanese Tea Ceremonies Words by Cory Rotolo
Japan | instagram: @stayjapan
The first time I participated in a Japanese tea ceremony is something I can never forget. It was such an immersive, yet relaxing experience; it reminded me a lot of the flow state one enters when doing yoga or karate. Steeped in tradition, perfected and refined throughout its several centuries of existence, Japanese tea ceremonies, or Sadō (literally translating to “the way of tea”), can provide you an unique experience like no other. It can be participated in as a form of self-discipline, self-improvement, or simply a form of relaxation. I’d like to encourage everyone to try otemae, the performance of a tea ceremony, at least once! 18
Autumn 2020
There are three aspects to Sadō that lend themselves to its unique characteristics and give it its identity. I believe the more you know about these elements, the more enriching your experience can be. If you ever find the opportunity to join, here is my breakdown of the ceremony so you can get the most out of what Sadō has to offer! During Japanese tea ceremonies, the etiquette of those performing the ceremony and the aesthetic design of the tea house are of equal importance. The tea house, and by extension its decorum, tries to avoid monotony as much as possible.
