Japanese Traditions & Creativity Toni Enriquez

Sado (tea ceremony) Purpose: to appreciate the beauty of nature and live in the moment Green tea was originally used in the 12th by monks to stay awake during meditation. It was also drank by elite aristocrats. Early tea ceremonies were luxurious parties thrown to show off fancy utensils and discuss various types of tea. Later ceremonies were conducted by samurai, and then become female-dominated when the warrior class was abolished.

Important Figures Murata Juko, a 15th century Zen Buddhist master, broke conventions and performed the tea ceremony in a humble 4 and a half mat room. Sen no Rikyu later perfected the tea ceremony into what we know today. He stripped down the tea ceremony into its most basic elements and got rid of anything that wasn’t essential. Two of Rikyu’s great-grandsons founded Urasenke and Omotesenke, the largest tea schools to this day.

Method Tea students study for years perfecting technique. They study other aspects of art, such as ikebana, calligraphy, etc. as well as self-improvement such as attentiveness to the needs of others. A full length ceremony (chaji) lasts 4 hours and includes a meal (chakaiseki) and two servings of tea (koicha and usacha). Everything is very simple and used for a purpose. Tools: chasen (tea whisk), chashaku (tea scoop), chawan (tea bowl), usuki/natsume (tea caddy), fukasa/chakin (cloth) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wQVxj_0Mdo

Rules and Etiquette (tatemae or temae) The main guest acts as a spokesperson or representative of all the guests and leads the conversation with the host. There is no conversation other than asking about the objects or methods used, etc. All guests must show their gratitude to the host. Appreciate the bowl that the tea is served in before drinking, and try not to get it dirty.

Samurai Jack Tea Ceremony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDTuNyup9Y additional Japan Tasty video

Ikebana (flower arrangement) Origins: influenced by 6th century Buddhist flower offerings These offerings were originally simple, symmetrical, 3-stem arrangements. By the 17th century it evolved into rikka (“standing flowers”). Asymmetry, symbolism, and spiritual depth are key characteristics of Ikebana. The process of Ikebana is meant to help the creator reflect, relax, and appreciate details that we normally dismiss. The main branch symbolized heaven or truth and usually stuck out to the right or left. Other branches would extend out from the center of the arrangement.

Ikebana Techniques Two types of modern ikebana: Moribana: arranged in a shallow container with kenzan (“needle-point holder”). Nageire: arranged in a tall vase with multiple methods to keep the flowers in place. First, choose the right container. Then, you can begin making your arrangement. Flowers, branches, leaves, seeds, and fruit can all be used to create Ikebana. https://youtu.be/kYaqBUQOVr8

Origami: the art of paper folding Composed of the words oru (to fold) and kami (paper). Paper was brought to Japan in the sixth century by monks and was originally considered a luxury. Paper folding was originally reserved for religious ceremonies only It became more recreational in the Edo Period. The first written origami instructions appeared in Akisato Rito’s Sembazuru Orikata (thousand crane folding). If you fold 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will grant you a wish.

Kimono/Yukata: traditional clothing The modern Kimono originated in the Heian period when a new technique for making clothing was introduced. This technique was known as the straight-line-cut method. Fabric was cut with straight lines and then sewn together, making kimonos easier to make regardless of the body shape of the wearer. “Kimono” used to refer to everyday clothing, but most Japanese people now only wear them for special occasions. Yukata are made of cotton whereas Kimono are made of silk. They are also traditionally worn during the summer months. Most japanese today only wear kimono for special occassions

Kimono + Accessories These two were often worn in combination with a Kimono by samurai: Hakama: Kimono pants Haori: Kimono Jacket Nagajuban: a thinner robe worn under the kimono to keep it from getting dirty. Obi: the elaborate sash often tied around the kimono. Footwear: Tabi: split-toe socks Zori: sandal-like shoes Geta: elevated wooden flip flops

How to Wear a Kimono How to put on the Kimono How to tie the obi

My Thoughts A lot of the traditions I researched were based in appreciation of nature. I like that a lot of these traditions are so simple yet so beautiful. The US doesn’t really have these kinds of traditions, so I enjoyed researching and learning more about Japanese traditions. I can’t find a meme so stream Persona

Works Cited https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japanese-traditions https://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/e27_ikebana.pdf http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/between-the-folds/history.html https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/kimono/kimono01.html https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/4904/ https://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/e28_tea.pdf https://www.verdissimo.com/en/news/ikebana-japanese-art-form https://www.tsunagujapan.com/10-different-types-of-kimono-for-women/