Tea Ceremony

ARI is international in flavor, but we experience Japanese culture during invitations. Toyama san from church did a tea ceremony for us in her tea house. It was delightful, except for the two hours of sitting on the floor. She was very flexible and allowed us to sit sideways or whatever was comfortable, instead of on our knees! Incense wafted around the bamboo room as she boiled water in the kettle over a sunken pit in the tatami floor. She whisked the green matcha, or tea, until it was frothy and served each person separately. When it was our turn, we said “Osakeni” (I go before you) to the person to our left, then bowed to Toyama san, who had served us. The tea was slightly bitter, and we were served a flavored rice cake and a sweet candy.