The Tea-Drinking Ceremony Originated with the Samurai

Tea drinking is an important part of Japanese culture and philosophy of life. At first, tea was consumed only by the clergy and high nobility, primarily for medicinal purposes. This changed only a thousand years later, in the 18th century. Tea ceased to be merely a medicinal drink, but it was still available only to the upper classes. Only nobles could afford the finest tea from Shizuoka Prefecture, as its high price made it inaccessible to the lower classes.The samurai also contributed to the tea ceremony. Because the tea-drinking ceremony was their only free time for relaxation, the entire process was very slow and took place in complete silence. The rules established by the samurai are still observed in Japan today. The Japanese say of the tea ceremony: “It is a very special art, and through the tea ceremony we find ourselves.” Inner peace, hospitality, and simplicity are important characteristics of this tradition—something that seems increasingly rare today. Today, green teas receive the greatest attention in Japan.