Traditional Black Matcha Set

Matcha ceremonies can be traced back to the 12th century in Japan when the Zen monk Eisai first introduced them. Eisai believed that matcha tea, made from finely ground green tea leaves, had medicinal properties and could aid in Zen Buddhist practice. He believed that the process of making and drinking matcha could aid in the clearing of the mind and the attainment of meditative awareness.

• The host, who is usually a Zen monk, prepares the tea in front of the guests during a matcha ceremony.
• The procedure is highly ritualised and symbolic, with each step having its own significance.
• The host will first clean and purify the tea utensils, representing mental purification.
• The tea is then measured and whisked in a specific pattern, representing the creation of harmony and balance.
• The tea is then served to the guests, who are encouraged to savour it and appreciate its flavour and aroma.
• This ceremony’s matcha tea set is typically a traditional Japanese set that includes a bowl, whisk, scoop, and tray.

Matcha ceremonies provide Zen monks with an opportunity to share their wisdom and teachings with guests. During the ceremony, the host may share Zen stories or teachings, and guests are encouraged to ask questions and engage in dialogue with the host. The ceremony’s goal is to deepen one’s understanding of Zen principles as well as to enjoy the tea and have have grown in popularity outside of Zen Buddhism in recent years, becoming a beloved cultural tradition. However, the ceremony’s principles and rituals have not changed, and it is still regarded as a meaningful spiritual practice. Whether you are a Zen monk or a tea enthusiast, participating in a matcha ceremony can be a unique and enlightening experience.