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In chanoyu the host entertains the guests with delicious
tea which the guests thankfully receive. This is a way of deepening
their spiritual ties. Delicious tea is not just a matter of
the taste of the tea, but includes the selection of utensils
to illustrate the theme of the tea gathering, their expression
of the season and the year's events, the beauty of the host's
movements and the elegance of his conversation, and the consideration
of like-minded guests. It is the flavour of an event that can
happen only once in a lifetime. |
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The powdered green tea that is drunk in chanoyu is called 'matcha'.
This was being drunk in China in about the 12th century, but
is now drunk only in Japan. About 1.5 grams of powdered tea
is put into a tea bowl, hot water is poured onto it and then
the tea is stirred with a chasen (tea whisk). Preparing
tea in this way is called 'ocha wo tateru'. 'Tateru' means
to skilfully bring out the flavour and aroma of the tea. It
is extremely good for the health. |
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