History of Tea in Japan and the Japanese Tea Ceremony Essay

According to Brown, tea is classified among the most significant non-alcoholic beverage across the globe. It has gained fame as a result of its benefits. Tea is an inclusive aspect of the daily life of the Japanese individual attributable to its ceremonial and ritual characteristics. It has been treated as a cultural beverage and consumed in a refined atmosphere. Tea drinking in Japan has undergone refinement under the support of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. He was the regarded as the first ruler-patron of the tea ceremony. Since historical times, tea was incorporated as an element of an independent secular ceremony. Over the past 5,000 years, the Japan have consumed green tree which acts as a beverage and a medicine (121). This paper†¦show more content†¦This caused the Japanese monks to learn on how to drink tea which was utilized as a medicinal beverage, so as to remain alert while meditation. Hence, tea was highly consumed by the Buddhist priest to awaken them and to e ase them of their physical fatigue (388). De Bary points that during the 12th-13th centuries, resurgence occurred with tea when Buddhist priest returned to Japan after their studies. They came back with tea seeds and planted them in numerous areas of the country. Japanese priest, Eisai and pioneer of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism is particularly known for introducing tea seeds which are still grown until today. Eisai also returned with unfermented, powdered green tea to Japan (known as matcha in Japanese). This caused Eisai to put in writing the first book on tea and underline on his experience, beliefs, as well as the virtue of drinking tea. Tea was prepared by dipping fermented leaves in hot water. Tea drinking extended across Japan and was not only drunk by priest and religious orders, but also by the ordinary people. In the early medieval age, tea was consumed as a beverage for all classes in Japan. Tea drinking was embraced by the Japanese nobility, samurai, and commoners. By the late 14th century, tea was used at the social events of the basara daimyo, to review competitions (tocha). This special tea drinking game was formulated by the wealthy warrior classes. In the 15th century, drinking tea was taken into seriousShow MoreRelatedThe Culture Of Japan And Japan1187 Words   |  5 Pagesthis diverse civilization, Japan has been one of the very few countries in the world that is influenced from Zen Buddhist and Shino ideas. This culture is very distinct and also carries specific traditions and consists of living life a different way from other religions around the world. In addition, Japan has been known for their amazing work in architecture which is said to have been guided by Chinese architecture in the past. 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