a bowl the host

formal dress to bow

the guests a whisk

to serve a kimono

The Japanese tea ceremony is a unique tradition of making and drinking powdered green tea.

The host wears a kimono, while the guests wear kimonos or other formal dress.

During the ceremony, the host and the guests follow very specific steps.

First, the guests wash their hands and rinse out their mouths at a small stone basin of water.

Then they go to a small garden, where the host may offer sweets or a light meal.

After the sweets are finished, the host and the guests go into the tea house.

In the tea house, the tea utensils are cleaned in front of the guests.

Next, some green powder is placed in a bowl and water is added.

The tea is then whisked and served to the first guest.

The first guest bows to the host and bows to the second guest.

The first guest then lifts the bowl with respect to the host and drinks a little of the tea.

The bowl is passed from guest to guest in this way.

Finally, when all the guests have drunk from the bowl, it is returned to the host.