Basic manner at the Japanese tea ceremony

Anyone can get nervous when he/she attend the tea ceremony for the first time. But don't worry too much, because one of the important job for the host is making you feel comfortable. He will do his best to help you to feel confident and relaxed during the ceremony. However, to know the manner of the ceremony will help you to enjoy the ceremony. So, here are the basic rules and manners for receiving tea at the ceremony: When guests are arriving for a tea ceremony they usually sign their name and wait until other guests to arrive. This place for waiting is called "Machiai". When all other guest arrive, who is going to play the role of shokyku, Jikyaku, Suekyaku will be decided which also refers to the seat at the ceremony. Put the folding fan in front of you, then open "Fusuma" and guests enter the tearoom on their knees, slide yourself into the tearoom. Do not step on the edge of the tatami. As you are looking down the flour and find your seat, then sit quietly. When tea ceremony starts, wagashi(Japanese sweet) is first served to each guest. Take your kaishi (napkin) and place the cake on the kaishi. Then using kuromonji (small fork), cut the cake in reasonable size and eat. Tea is served from the shokyaku, who is first in line. When your tern comes, say "osakini" and take a bowl with your both hands. Raise the bowl and rotate in the hand to be admired. Drink some of the tea, wipe the rim of the bowl, and passes the bowl to the next guest. Before the tea ceremony starts, take rings, watches and bracelet out to avoid damaging the tea things. When you look at the tea things, place them in the low position.

(Nobuyoshi Mochizuki)