Yesterday, we got to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony hosted by 3 lovely ladies: Mrs Weiss, Joyce and Jill.
Heather, Isla, Zander, Morgan and Lewis were lucky enough to experience the ceremony and take part in the ancient Japanese tradition.
Mrs. Weiss and Jill first showed us basic etiquette during a tea ceremony and how to drink the tea. Joyce showed us how the tea was prepared and the process of serving the tea.
Our 5 participants indulged in Japanese candy to sooth the palate, leaving a sweet taste like sugar. They then, one by one, consumed the Matcha Green Tea out of the tea bowl (Chawan) and described what it tasted like.
Mrs. Weiss was taking questions from the class, such as:
Why are the ceremonies performed in this way?
Can you buy these things here in Aberdeen?
What are the names of all the different utensils?
Mrs. Weiss informed us that they perform the ceremony like that because it’s supposed to represent a special occasion, so must be performed in a special way.
She also said that it is possible to buy the Futon (mat), Chasen (whisk), Chashabu (tea scoop), Chawan (tea bowl) and Matcha powder in Aberdeen. All of the items can be found in any Asian market or in the Asian supermarket at the end of George Street.
Afterword, Mrs. Weiss came back to room 22 and showed us her Bokken (Wooden Sword) and explained what she did with it during her time in Japan. She took part in a course to learn the art of a peaceful Japanese martial art. She passed her Bokken around the class to allow us to properly inspect it.
The lesson interested the whole class and we all had a great time.
By Heather, Erin & Cara.