A Premonition of Spring in the Tea Room - A Tea Ceremony on the First Day of Spring

Risshun is considered a turning point in the year, and on this day in the calendar, a new spring begins. Although it is still cold, the sunlight gradually becomes softer and the scent of spring is mixed in with the breeze. In the tea ceremony, Risshun is also considered an important time that signals not just the change of seasons, but a new beginning.

The connection between the beginning of spring and the tea ceremony

In the tea ceremony, the twenty-four solar terms and seasonal calendar are important, and the charm of each season is reflected in the tea ceremony. Risshun, which marks the beginning of the new year in the lunar calendar, is a turning point that holds special significance in the tea ceremony. From this point on, the winter tea ceremony transitions to spring attire, and the signs of spring can be felt in the tea room's furnishings and utensils.

In the alcove, calligraphy that represents good fortune or scrolls announcing the arrival of spring are often hung, and changes also appear in the tea ceremony utensils. The arrangements that express the joy of welcoming spring while still evoking the lingering feeling of snow create a unique atmosphere that is unique to this time of year.

Tea ceremony utensils and ideas suitable for the beginning of spring

The following ideas are possible for a tea ceremony on the first day of spring.

• Tea bowls : Those with a bluish glaze reminiscent of melting snow, or those that reflect a soft spring mist, add a touch of elegance.

• Tea caddies and tea caddies : Those with designs of flowers and plants that sprout after surviving the harsh winter, such as adonis, dandelions, and bracken, are popular as symbols of vitality.

• Main sweets : Risshun Daifuku, Japanese sweets shaped like plums, and sweets made with mugwort and butterbur shoots also evoke the feeling of early spring.

• Flowers : Camellias, daffodils, and other early spring flowers are arranged to bring a breath of nature into the tea ceremony.

Additionally, at tea ceremonies, the phrase "Risshun Daikichi" is sometimes exchanged. This phrase is also used on the talismans that are hung on gates on the day of the beginning of spring, and is a prayer for good health and safety throughout the year. At tea ceremonies, savoring a cup of tea while saying this phrase and celebrating the arrival of a new season is a unique way to enjoy the beginning of spring.

In this way, the tea ceremony brings the colors of the seasons into our daily lives.

Rather than simply tracing the shape, why not feel the turning point of the beginning of spring in your heart and welcome the breath of new spring with a cup of tea?