Sunday, February 10, 2013 began the Chinese New Year and marked the Year of the Snake. Attributes associated with the snake are transformation, introspection, intelligence, cunning, moving quickly and striking fast. This year calls for patience and wisdom in all things. It is a year for being careful and cautious to unexpected changes and contemplating new ideas that will bring success and abundance in the future.
Tea student dressed in kimono enjoying festive decorations |
Traditional tea room setting in Hatsugama style |
Decorated tokonoma |
Coiled willow branches |
This year’s Hatsugama celebration at the Snowflake Tea Room in Stow, Ohio on Sunday, February 10 at 12:00 p.m. was attended by Sensei Myoshu Wren, eight of her students, family and friends. These were people of all levels of tea experience and included senior students, guests who had not ever studied tea and even some old friends. After admiring the display of utensils and articles in the tea room, students took their places on the tatami mats and were served thick matcha green tea by Sensei Myoshu.
Sensei Myoshu preparing tea |
First bowl of matcha green tea |
We sipped the lovely thick green tea out of beautiful gold chawans or tea bowls. New Year’s greetings were expressed and gifts exchanged. We then convened at Pad Thai in Hudson, Ohio for a festive New Year meal.
Displays at Pad Thai in celebration of the New Year |
Ichigo, ichie means one moment, one chance. Tea is all about being in the moment, having the experience, and making a memory to treasure out of each unique tea encounter. A delightful, memorable time was had by all who attended this year’s Hatsugama observance.
Sensei Myoshu and students |
Thanks to Sensei Myoshu and my tea sisters and brothers for all the planning and preparation that went into creating a lovely celebration.
Photo credit:
Sensei Myoshu Wren
Anne Kessing, tea student
Elaine Robinson, tea student
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