The Wisdom of Tea Ceremony to Enjoy the Rainy Season

Hello everyone! The rainy season is upon us. While this time of year can often feel humid and uncomfortable, there are some wonderful ideas from the world of tea ceremony that can help us enjoy this season more refreshingly. Today, I’d like to share these ideas with you.

1. Incorporate Seasonal Flowers

During the rainy season, flowers like hydrangeas and irises are in full bloom. By placing these beautiful flowers in your room, you can create a visually refreshing atmosphere. The vibrant blue of hydrangeas, in particular, has a calming effect.

2. Enjoy Cool Thin Tea (Usucha)

This season is perfect for making thin tea (usucha). Compared to thick tea, usucha has a lighter, more refreshing taste. Enjoying it with cold sweets or fruits can make your mouth feel cool and refreshed. Sharing this experience with friends and family can be a delightful way to spend your time.

3. Improve Room Ventilation

Good ventilation is crucial during humid periods. Open shoji screens and fusuma doors to let the breeze flow through, preventing moisture buildup. Using bamboo blinds (sudare) can help block sunlight while allowing air to circulate, enhancing the cooling effect.

4. Refresh with Pleasant Scents

In tea ceremonies, scents play an important role. During the rainy season, using aromatic wood or fragrant sachets can refresh the air in your tea room. Scents like hinoki (Japanese cypress) and sandalwood are particularly effective in lightening the heavy, humid air. Find a scent that you love and enjoy its refreshing qualities.

5. Use Simple and Beautiful Tea Utensils

Opt for simple and cool-looking utensils during this season. Thin tea bowls and glass utensils not only look refreshing but also add a visual coolness. Using bamboo tea scoops and flower containers can also bring a natural sense of coolness into your tea room. Embrace the beauty of simplicity.

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By incorporating these ideas, you can spend the rainy season comfortably and with a rich heart. Cherishing the tea ceremony’s spirit of "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility" (wa-kei-sei-jaku), find unique ways to enjoy this time of year.

I hope you all have a wonderful and refreshing rainy season!