9:17:00 PM
so today was a holiday.
culture day - 3rd of November.
Originally Meiji Emperor's birthday, (current Emperor's great-grandfather) renamed Culture Day after his reign. Every year on this day the Japanese government gives out Bunka Kunsho (the highest rank of Culture Award) to a few people who devoted their lives to promoting Japanese culture or higher achievements in academic fields. Photos featuring the recipients and their spouses taken in the Imperial Palace grounds will be found on the front pages of Japanese newspapers on this day. Many other awards will also be given to thousands of people who made distinguished contributions to Japanese society. Many institutions of higher education such as Japanese universities and high schools hold Culture Day to display their research projects, hold debate sessions, etc. November 3rd is one of the days with the highest probability of fine weather over the past 100 years of meteorological record keeping in Japan. Chrysanthemum displays are also found in various gardens around town.
So, for my taste of culture day I got to witness a tea ceremony. Completely different to anything I've seen before. It was a ritual, making a cup of tea took about five minutes. It was a ornate series of structured movements, and definate placings. The whole act was hypnotising, and really took you in. So, I gave it a go. You pay your 300Yen, and sit down on the front stool. Then you are given two sweets, which you don't start eating until the tea ceremony begins. Then, the ceremonist begins making your tea, which involves over fifty movements and placings, all very beautiful and intricate. Then, when the tea is finished, you are given it with a bow, and take it with a bow too. Then drink it, but only holding your cup a certain way. (I copied that off the person next to me). But the tea was lush, and the ceremony was beautiful, and definately a taste of japanese culture.
Then I spent the rest of the day relaxing. And also changed my bedroom around, I just thought it need a change. It still hasn't started snowing yet. Not looking forward to the next two weeks. Only one day out of 14 off, ouch. I guess can kiss any lie-ins bye bye.
details.
