Kawasaki Daishi the first tea ceremony of the year

(The thick tea)

（ The thin tea）

This is the first tea ceremony of the year at Kawasaki Daishi Temple in January.

My friend in Urasenke Kawasaki branch gave me tea ceremony tickets, and I attended with members of my tea class.

This year, the thick tea was the first of the morning, so I was able to hear the Kawasaki mayor's New Year's greeting and watch the charcoal procedure. The hanging scroll in the alcove was "Ousei" (Japanese nightingale's song) written by Hounsai, the 15th head of Urasenke. Plum blossoms celebrate the New Year. The tea was prepared on the tea table with a "kaigu" set decorated with auspicious pine motifs. The kaigu is a set of tea utenils having same picture.

The thin tea was prepared on the Shunju-dana shelf. The hanging scroll was also by Hounsai, and read "富貴是吉祥 Fuki Kore Kissho." It means that wealth and prosperity are auspicious. It is a Zen phrase that suits the New Year and expresses wishes for happiness and prosperity. The flat tea caddy with fan pattens and tea scoop. Both bear Hounsai's signature.

The zodiac sweets were also rich in flavor🌸

After the tea gathering, I made my first visit of the year to Kawasaki Daishi and prayed for a safe year. The New Year atmosphere was lively.

The souvenir candy contained a fortune slip, and mine was "Great Luck."

(Photo below)

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy year ahead!