Chanoyus, also known as Japanese tea ceremonies, have been incorporating matcha since the end of the 12th century in their mindfulness rituals as their vehicle for embodying four sacred principles, wa, kei, sei and jaku. These matcha tea ceremonies are deeply steeped in these principles, as they remind one of the most revered values a human being can hold: harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku).
These ceremonies begin with purification rites. These are followed by a silent bow from the host to honor the guests, then the graceful whisking of powdered matcha and hot water in individual cups to create a luscious foam. Each guest slowly takes a sip, one by one. As it began, the ceremony ends in an honorary bow