https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e54VCv41158
By: Norhan Mahmoud
CAIRO, Dec. 12 (SEE)- Everyone was seated silently on modern chairs right besides a traditional tatami ‘chashistu’ setting that lent the room, in the Japan Foundation in Cairo (JFC), the essence of Japan.
The ceremony was led by Egyptian Tea-master Tarek El-Sayed, who spent two years studying tea traditions in Japan until he reached proficiency. He reticently prepared Japanese Matcha using classical equipments; tea whisk ‘Chasen,’ tea scoop ‘Chashaku,’ tea container ‘Natsume’ and serving bowls.
Traditionally, ‘temae,’ way of presenting tea, is held to celebrate the four Zen principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Every detail in a tearoom is organized precisely so that it is in unison with the season; flowers and paintings.
Traditional Tea-room
Since tea ceremony is a unique experience, a Japanese poem drawing that reads “Once in a Lifetime” was hanging next to the master as well as embellishing seasonal odorless plants.
Historically, leading Tea-master Sen no Rikyū was the one who introduced temae centuries ago with special aesthetics and philosophy in an attempt to bring peace amongst Samurai warriors to sit together without disputing with one another.
Omotesenke, Urasenke and Mushakojinske are the three most popular tea preparation schools existing up till now that urge hosts to assure the welfare and merriment of their guests.
As El-Sayed was preparing Matcha, his helpers served a mini simple Japanese delicacy for guests prior to sipping the tea, who all then bowed in an expression of gratitude to the host.
Tea-master Tarek El-Sayed
Tea Sipping Tip: With right hand, turn your cup clockwise twice by around 90 degrees so that the painted side of the cup is not facing you anymore.
Towards the end of the ceremony, El-Sayed bowed before guests in gratitude for attending and explained: “Tea ceremony is an experience that pursues holy religious teachings that aim to bring inner peace, discipline and patience. Tea room setting is designed from fully organic materials including tatami mats that are stuffed with rice straws.”
If you are interested to learn more about Japanese tea traditions head to Urasenke school, one-of-a-kind in the Middle East that educates the art to local residents. Check JFC’s Facebook page below for information;
https://m.facebook.com/jfcairo/?tn=C-R
Attendees at the ceremony
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