The Tea Ceremony - Ceremonial Japanese Process Influenced by Buddhism - Essay Example

The popularity of the Tea Ceremony is comparable to the samurai and Buddha traditions and has attributable significance and relevance as most ceremonies partake in Japan. The Tea Ceremony is a ritualized Japanese cultural contribution that involves taking tea in a specific space with prearranged procedures.

Supposed to have started in the 16th century, the tea ceremony was a wealthy affair that sought to unite rulers, warriors, and merchants. It was a social function for the rich that provided them a forum to discuss weighty issues (Cooper and McLean 1). They used natural forms of utensils, especially from China and Korea, countries revered for their culture. To an extent, the value of these objects and utensils was synonymous with that of treasures. The Japanese have a liking for such imperfect objects (natural form), which is a characteristic of their culture. Most of them were unglazed objects made in kilns that may seem to have no value at first sight. Their value has remained over the years to the present where the utensils/objects are still seen as valuable.

The preparation and drinking of powdered green tea (matcha) is a delicate procedure that involves years of training. It involves detailed choreography that a layperson cannot easily master. The interaction in a tearoom not only involves the host and the guests, but also the utensils (Cooper and McLean 5). The guests witness the tea preparation and each step must be done specifically. Surprisingly, there is no repetition of the process in any other subsequent ceremony; the choreography only applies to a singular tea gathering. In addition, there is tea etiquette pertaining to the drinking of the tea, and the usage of the utensils. The utensils have both a practical value and an aesthetic value that the Japanese tradition appreciates. During a ceremony, there are several objects and utensils, but only a few services on the occasion.

The Tea Ceremony resulted in the creation of several other forms of objects that are enshrined in Japanese traditions. The relevance and significance of the ceremony lie in the need for purification and the connection with nature. Although it has undergone considerable modification, its cultural relevance remains (Cooper and McLean 3). Schools that endorse the spirit of the ceremony include it in their curriculum, and there are groups that usually organize gatherings to edify willing learners on preparation. Mere preparation of tea is not the main objective; aesthetics and traditional appreciation guide the whole process. In addition, it intentionally creates room for a relaxed communication environment that suits business and non-business interactions. There is deep spiritual gratification and a contemplation process that intensifies the bond between the host and the guests. Its symbolism and cultural significance are what make it even more important.
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