March 20, 2009, Newsletter Issue #28: How to Attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony

Tip of the Week

A friend has invited you to a Japanese tea ceremony. You've never attended one of these special teas before and you're very excited. However, you're also just a bit nervous. You don't want to come across as a rude or discourteous guest because you don't know what is expected of you. You need a few quick pointers on how to attend a Japanese tea ceremony.

One of the easiest ways to be sure you follow all the traditions properly is to ask for help. Simply explain that the whole experience is completely new to you and that you want to do things right. Your host and the other guests should be more than happy to give you a hand.

If you don't understand how to do anything, keep an eye on the other guests. If everyone picks up the cup with their right hands and then they support it with their left hands, odds are you should try picking up the cup this way, too. This also helps you avoid jumping in ahead of the guest of honor, or principle guest, who usually gets to do everything during the ceremony before the other guests, from entering the tea house to drinking the tea.

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