Camellia Tea Ceremony

🤏🌿SUMMER COMES TO THE TEAHOUSE🍵☀️ The tea ceremony year is divided into two parts: the 'Sunken Hearth Season' (炉 'Ro') between November and April, and the 'Brazier Season' (風炉 'Furo') from May to October. On May 1st we cover the sunken hearth and unbox the brazier.

A more modern retelling connects Qu Yuan to the boat races held on the 5th day of the 5th month. It's said that locals, upon seeing his body floating dead in the river, rushed out in boats to retrieve it. They threw dumplings in to distract the fish nibbling on him! #folklore

It is thought zongzi were created as offerings to the poet Qu Yuan (屈原 c.340–278 BC), who (perhaps) drowned himself after the monarch failed to heed his (wise) advice. The grateful people tossed rice dumplings into the Miluo River so that the fish would leave his body alone.

🎏CHILDREN'S DAY👶 Arriving at the end of Golden Week, 'Kodomo-no-hi' (こどもの日 "Children's Day") celebrates the happiness of children and families. In the weeks leading up to May 5th many homes display dolls and armor (or helmets), symbolizing vitality and strength. #Japan