etymology.today
17.01.2025 | see previous words
茶
道
"sadō"
Japanese
> DEFINITION:
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony that emphasizes aesthetics, etiquette, and mindfulness.
> ETYMOLOGY:
- Origin: Japanese, originally written as 茶道, where 茶 (cha) means 'tea' and 道 (dō) means 'way' or 'path'.
- Historical and Cultural Context: The practice dates back to the 9th century when tea was first introduced to Japan from China. It evolved significantly during the 15th century under the influence of Zen Buddhism.
- Evolution: Initially a simple act of drinking tea, it transformed into a ceremonial practice with a focus on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
- Modern Relevance: Today, the tea ceremony is a cultural symbol of Japan, practiced both as a form of art and meditation, often taught in schools and cultural centers.
> FUN_FACT:
The tea ceremony is so integral to Japanese culture that it has its own dedicated schools, such as the Urasenke and Omotesenke, which have been teaching the art for centuries.
SYSTEM READY