Event Date: 2/20/2025
Although a snowstorm had been forecasted since the previous week, the day of the event turned out to be clear. For this tea gathering, we displayed the calligraphy scroll "桃花千年春" (Peach Blossoms, a Thousand Years of Spring) and served "Ume" (Plum Blossom) sweets, creating an atmosphere that would allow attendees to feel the arrival of spring, even in a small way.
This was our second tea demonstration at this school, and three students stepped onto the tatami mat. We explained that the guests' manners should also embody the spirit of "Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku" (Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility). Despite it being the end of February with temperatures as low as -3°C (27°F), the event was attended by 20 students, faculty members, and teachers, many of whom had also participated in the previous session. Even the security personnel, who stayed late for the event, showed great interest—reading through the "Hospitality in the Way of Tea" handouts and watching the demonstration through the camera. This enthusiasm and desire for a deeper understanding of Sadō (the Way of Tea) were strongly felt throughout the school. We will carefully consider the timing for the next session to encourage even greater participation.
前の週から吹雪の予測が出ていた中、当日は晴れ。今回のお茶席のお軸には方谷浩明染筆の「桃花千年春」を飾り、お菓子は「梅」。少しでも参加してくださる方々に春の訪れを感じていただくような揃え。そして当学校における2度目のデモンストレーションでは、3名の学生に畳の上に上がっていただいて、お客様の作法も「和・敬・清・寂」であることを説明。2月末だというのに気温は摂氏マイナス3度。そのような中でも20名の学生とFacultyメンバー、そして先生方が参加。その中には前回参加くださった人もたくさんいた。このデモンストレーションのために遅くまで残ってくれていたセキュリティーの人までもが配った「茶道のおもてなし」の資料に目を通し、カメラを通じてデモンストレーションを見ていてくれていたほど、同学校の「茶道」に関する興味度、そしてより深く理解したいという要望の高さを感じた。次回は行う月を考え、より多くの方々に参加していただきたい。
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