1.
tea ceremony, the way of tea, chanoyu
The traditional Japanese art of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) in a ritualized manner. Encompasses not just the preparation of tea but the entire aesthetic experience, including the tea room, utensils, seasonal decorations, and the spirit of hospitality. The oldest and most traditional term for the practice.
The spirit of the tea ceremony lies in the concept of 'once in a lifetime encounter.'
Usage
茶の湯 is the oldest and most traditional term for the Japanese tea ceremony. The synonymous 茶道 (also read 茶道) is the more commonly used term today, particularly in educational contexts. 茶の湯 carries a more classical, historical nuance.
Cultural note
The practice was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and was refined into its current form during the Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. The four guiding principles established by 千利休 are 和 (harmony), 敬 (respect), 清 (purity), and 寂 (tranquility).
Similar words
- 茶道: tea ceremony (more common modern term)
- 点前: the procedure of preparing tea
- 茶会: tea gathering, tea party