The Art of Enjoying Wagashi
The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a profound world within Japanese traditional culture. While there are numerous rules and manners to observe as a guest at a tea ceremony, one of the most important elements is how to properly enjoy wagashi, or Japanese sweets. In this article, we’ll explore the correct etiquette for eating wagashi and related proper behavior during a tea ceremony.
The Flow of a Tea Ceremony and the Role of Wagashi
In a typical tea ceremony, wagashi is served before the tea is prepared. Wagashi is not just a simple sweet; it’s a crucial element that expresses the season and the theme of the tea gathering. Therefore, the etiquette for enjoying wagashi is considered just as important as that for drinking tea.
How to Receive Wagashi: Basic Etiquette
When wagashi is served at a tea ceremony, the first thing to do is to give a slight bow towards the sweets. This gesture expresses gratitude for the host’s thoughtfulness.
When taking the wagashi, follow these steps:
- Lightly support the wagashi container with your left hand.
- Take the kuromoji (sweet pick) with your right hand.
- Use the kuromoji in your right hand to pick up the wagashi and place it on your kaishi (paper for sweets).
It’s crucial to never touch the wagashi directly with your hands. This is not only for hygiene reasons but also out of courtesy to other guests.
If there’s no kuromoji available, or if the wagashi is meant to be eaten by hand (like monaka), you can pick up the wagashi with the kaishi. Even in this case, be careful not to touch the wagashi directly with your hands.
Etiquette for Eating Wagashi
Once you’ve placed the wagashi in front of you, take a moment to quietly appreciate its shape and colors. This is to savor the beauty and seasonal expression chosen by the host.
The basic etiquette for eating wagashi is as follows:
- Divide the wagashi into bite-sized pieces.
- Use the kuromoji to bring it to your mouth.
- Typically, wagashi is eaten in 2-3 bites.
However, the way of eating can differ depending on the type of wagashi. For example, firmer wagashi like yokan is typically cut with a wagashi knife before eating. Some wagashi, like monaka, are meant to be picked up and eaten by hand.
After finishing, wrap the used kuromoji in your kaishi and place it in front of you. Wait for the host to clear it away later.
It’s considered impolite to leave any wagashi uneaten. The host has carefully selected these sweets, so try to finish them if possible.
Relationship with Tea: When to Eat Wagashi
The relationship between wagashi and tea is also an important element in the tea ceremony. Generally, you eat the wagashi before drinking the tea. This is because the lingering sweetness of the wagashi in your mouth enhances the flavor of the tea.
However, depending on the style of the tea ceremony or the school of tea, you might be instructed to drink the tea before eating the wagashi. In such cases, it’s best to follow the host’s instructions.
Mindset and Manners: Communication Through Wagashi
When enjoying wagashi, it’s not just about eating; communication through wagashi is also important. For example, it’s good to quietly discuss the name, shape, or seasonal aspect of the wagashi with other guests. This helps create a harmonious atmosphere and deepens the interaction among participants.
Differences Between Schools: The Need for Flexibility
While we’ve explained the general etiquette for enjoying wagashi, in actual tea ceremonies, there can be subtle differences in etiquette depending on the school of tea. For example, the way of using the kuromoji or the position to place the wagashi might differ between schools.
When participating in a tea ceremony for the first time, it’s good to confirm the school and its specific etiquette beforehand. Also, it’s important to observe the atmosphere and the actions of other guests and adapt accordingly.
Conclusion: Deepening Your Understanding of the Tea Ceremony World Through Wagashi
Even in just the way of enjoying wagashi, we can see a condensation of Japanese culture and spirituality. Learning the correct etiquette is not just about manners; it leads to a deeper understanding of the spirit of the tea ceremony and Japanese culture.
When participating in a tea ceremony, feel the seasons through wagashi, appreciate the host’s thoughtfulness, and enjoy interactions with other guests. By doing so, you’ll surely find the world of tea ceremony even more captivating.
The next time you have the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony, try to be conscious of the wagashi etiquette introduced here. You’re sure to make new discoveries and feel moved by the experience.