文化交流

Hinamatsuri, Tea Ceremony & Origami workshop organised by Japan Foundation KL. This is the 2nd time i am attending Tea ceremony demo, first was few years back at Bukit Tinggi. Comparitively the ceremony Bukit Tinggi is more comprehensive from the starting of utensil cleaning to the end, it gives you full information (well of course high price to pay). The tea ceremony today is lack of narration and i guess first timer will end up a little confuse of what is going on. The narration is given only before, during and end of the ceremony. During the ceremony it is almost mute. In my opinion you will have to practise many times and really understand what it is all about before you can appreciate the art of it. This is the picture of the host(far left) cleaning and preparing the utensils and the guest (right).
At the end of the session participants are given the chance to taste the sweet (to be eaten before drinking the tea) and the macha (green tea powder that makes tea for the ceremony).
Hinamatsuri is celebrated on 3rd of March every year in Japan. On this day families pray for the growth and happiness of young girls in the household. Household with a girl will display this in their house. The whole set of decorations describe the scene of wedding of the Emperor and Empress (Top left, Obina and Mebina, Emperor and Empress). 2nd layer from top, The Three Court Ladies, 3rd layer the Five Musicians and the 4th Two Ministers and other decorative items such as furnitures and flowers for the wedding.

Last session was the origami (folding of paper), it was fun. Previously i did borrow some books to learn but i found it difficult but today with the guide of teachers i found it easier. Need to master a few basic step then it will be much easier. This is my work today. The tsuno ko bako (the box) and the kotobuki zuru (the crain). Not so bad right? Last time i made some animal figure and sent it to TH and he asked me "Grace, what is that??" haha...