Tea ceremony or Sadou is recognized as a traditional Japanese culture not only in Japan but also around the world. Many of us have this idea that tea ceremony only appreciates the tea’s flavor being served among the guests however, this is not entirely true. Other aspects such as the equipment being used, the art pieces decorating the room, the garden and the tea room, the Japanese snacks or wagashi, almost all of it symbolize the Japanese culture, thus, also appreciated.

・The manners for tea ceremony are almost the same with the general eating manners. Respect the superiors and the practitioner, and avoid making everyone in the room in order not to make others feel unpleasant.

White socks is also preferred as to avoid standing out. Accessories such as bracelets and the like are not allowed since it might scratch or damage the equipment. Do not eat the wagashi before the tea is served.

Tea ceremony manners are not so difficult to follow. Every time you eat the snack or drink the tea, you say “osaki ni itadakimasu (I shall partake first)” to the next person as a gesture. Avoid staining the pattern of the cup by turning it to the front when drinking the tea.

Studying the tea ceremony is interesting and it might be a way to develop other good values so why not study it while you have the chance?