Tea Ceremony: A Guest's Guide

The most common question we get is: "What if I do it wrong?"

In our home, there is no 'wrong.' The tea ceremony is about heart, not performance. However, a few small gestures can make you feel more like an insider:

1. The Bow: A small bow when receiving the tea is a way of saying 'thank you' to the host and the spirit of the room. 2. The Rotation: Before drinking, rotate the bowl twice. This is to avoid drinking from the 'front' of the bowl, a sign of humility. 3. The 'Final Slurp': When you reach the last sip, make a small slurping sound! It signals to the host that you have finished and enjoyed every drop.

Most importantly, relax. The tea ceremony is not a test; it is an offering of peace.