This ceremony was not as rigid as the Japanese Tea Ceremony [Chanoyu] but more formal than the Chinese Tea Ceremony [Chongu Cha].  Kim was very passionate in her presentation of the Korean Way of  Tea or Panyaro, explaining tea is an important part of reclaiming the true heritage of the Koreans.

After the Japanese invaded Korea in 1910, many  traditions and aspects of Korean cultural were lost, systematically wiped out by the invaders.  Some writings survived in remote monasteries and from these historical relics Panyaro, the Korean Way of Tea has been revived.

Hyo Dang initiated the revival and wrote the first full length study of tea in modern Korea. The ceremony is an expression of the graceful way of life with peace and understanding in accompanying each cup of tea.

As with the previous ceremonies, Kim’s costume was beautiful (see the photo below). she knelt for the ceremony and the four guests, myself included tried to remain in the same position. It proved more difficult for all of us!

Each movement was performed slowly and precisely. Kim returned her hands to her lap after each movement.  The tea items were covered with a cloth, red on one side representing the earth and blue on the other, representing the sky.

Hot water in a large teapot was poured into a bowl. The tea cups were each filled with hot water to warm them. Each time the bowl was lifted she used a small napkin to wipe the bamboo scoop before placing the tea into the teapot. The water was removed from the cups and each filled with a small amount of tea. Kim kept going back up the line again until each tea cup was filled.

With the same precise movements Kim placed each cup on a saucer and presented the cup to each of us. When she indicated, we all sipped together.
The cloth was placed on the cups and pots after we had finished our tea, we all bowed and with great relief stretched out our legs!
Here is a photo of me and Kim after the last ceremony.

Tea Lady and Kim Phram after the Korean Way of Tea

What a great day at Selby Gardens and a fantastic experience. So different from the English ritual of taking tea and yet in so many ways the same.  My thought was that regardless of how you take your tea, make it special every time and embrace the moment.  Local Coffee + Tea was a proud sponsor of all three Tea Ceremonies at the Asian Cultural Festival.

Cheers,
The Tea Lady