Tea Ceremony

About the Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony (茶道, 茶礼, or 茶艺) is a ritualized practice of preparing and serving tea, deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Sinosphere. Originating in China, the ceremony—often translated as the "Way of Tea," "Tea Etiquette," or "Art of Tea"—is a symbolic and spiritual act that emphasizes harmony, respect, and mindfulness. At the very rudimentary level, East Asian tea ceremonies are a formalized way of making tea, in a process that has been refined to yield the best taste.

Chinese tea culture profoundly influenced the development of tea ceremonies in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, particularly following the spread of tea plants and practices by Buddhist monks and scholars during the Tang dynasty (8th century onward). Beyond the act of drinking, tea ceremony reflects an appreciation for beauty in simplicity, offering a moment of peace and contemplation amid daily life. The associated tools, gestures, and rituals represent a blend of aesthetic refinement, symbolism, and spiritual depth, uniting art and life in a uniquely elegant form.