Japanese Teas


JAPANESE TEAS:

 

Tea comes from the brewing of tea leaves from a shrub. These shrubs can be grown individually or in a plantation type setting. In Japan, green tea is the dominant type of tea, and is the only kind to be grown

within the country.

 

There are several other teas that are comsumed in Japan and varry based on their grade, processing, and they way in which they are brewed. Other teas are as follows: Ryokucha, Sencha, Gyokuro, Maccha, Bancha, Genmaicha, Kugicha, Jasmine Cha, Genpicha, Mugicha, Konbucha.

 

*tea began as a medicine and then grew into a beverage. A popular item to complete a meal (green tea).

"Green tea contains antioxidants properties, polyphenols, theanine, as well as a wide variety of vitamins and minerals". So it could be assumed that even today, tea is used as a medicine.

 

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Tea is not just a popular drink, but also serves as the center item for ceremonies in Japan.

 

4 principles: harmony (to bring one's self into harmony with nature and people) , respect (develop a harmonious relationship with others), purity (the cleaning of yourself through the 5 senses), and tranquility (surrounding atmosphere)

 

Tea Ceremonies- It is a highly specalized event that takes days of preparation on behalf of the host. These ceremonies take place in rooms that are designed for this particular event, usually located away from the residence and inside the garden perimeter. Guests are welcomed by being directed to a waiting room where they are given hot water. Upon entering the teahouse itself, they are greeted by the host with a simple bow. No words are spoken by either party. Everyone must also bow, to show that everyone is equal, regardless of status or social position.

 

There are no decorations on the walls of the room, except for Japanese scroll paintings. These scolls dictate the theme of the tea ceremony. The host goes through a series of processes involving introducing the tea bowl, tea whisk, and tea cloth. The brewed tea is then purified and three scoops of the tea are given to each guest. In a sort of conclusion, all participants then engage in conversation.

   

  

 

 

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sources: http://infohost.nmt.edu/~armiller/japanese/tea.htm

http://www.asianartmall.com/teaceremonyarticle.htm  

http://www.asia-art.net/japanese_tea.html