NAGO, OKINAWA, Japan -- From the 9th century onward, the cultural importance of tea has evolved in Japan. From relative obscurity, to an entrenched tradition with up to four hours of ceremony, the rituals accompanying tea consumption tie past to present.
The tea ceremony was brought from China during the Kamakura period (A.D. 1185-1333). The Japanese developed it as a way to discipline one’s self and find spiritual fulfillment. The four most important elements of the tea ceremony are harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
Once the tea has been made by the tea master, each participant is then offered a bowl and, depending on the tradition followed, is expected to perform various etiquette-based interactions to not only acknowledge the master’s skill but also the quality of the tea itself.
Such was the case during a visit by spouses of Marines and sailors with the 4th Marine Regiment Sept. 26 to the home of a member of the Nago City Women Leaders group in Nago. “We normally conduct a tea ceremony once a year with the Nago City Women Leaders group, so that we can build a relationship with the community members near Camp Schwab,” said Audrey C. Mills, the family readiness officer of 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “We also try to invite them over to our houses, so that they can experience some American culture. We just try to improve the relations between us (and the people of Okinawa), and (participation in) this ceremony is one way that we do that.”
Every movement and action of the meticulous tea ceremony is dictated by tradition, according to Mills.
“Part of coming to a new country is learning the culture and traditions,” said Mills. “Having the chance to try traditionally made tea by a master is something that is unique. We also got an opportunity to try on traditional Okinawa dresses, which we did not have that opportunity last year to do, so that is something I am thankful for.”
A new respect was gained for the intricacies and care taken when making tea, according to Grace Carmichael, a Marine spouse and ceremony attendee.
“The detail in the ceremony is astounding,” said Carmichael. “The pride that they take in making something as simple as tea; I would just boil some water and throw in a tea bag and call it good. They have a tradition for every part of the ceremony, from preparing the tea to drinking it. It is simply amazing.”
The military spouses were not alone when it came to enjoying and learning from the tea ceremony.
“(Members of the Women’s Group of the Okinawa Defense Association) are always pleased and happy when we have the opportunity to meet the spouses and show them the ceremony,” said Satoe Chie, a member of the WGODA and ceremony attendee. “We hope to provide more entertainment next time in the way of traditional dance, so that they may learn (even) more about our culture the next time we have this ceremony.”
Having an opportunity to experience this event was educational and eye-opening, according to Carmichael.
“If someone offers you a chance to participate or watch a ceremony like this, then do it,” said Carmichael. “Do not hesitate, and do it while you can because if you are shy about it then you will miss out on an excellent opportunity to learn about your host country.”