Archive for category: Sir Jason Winters Blog

Enjoying the Taste of Flavored Teas

More people are drinking tea today than ever. The increased popularity of teas and tisanes of all kinds is making headlines in the United States and around the world. According to recent reports in the beverage world, flavored teas offer an excellent alternative to sugary sodas and juices.

Last year,  we noted some significant tea trends. Two reasons for the increased popularity of tea are environmental concerns and purported health benefits.  According to the latest beverage industry research, both traditional and flavored teas have risen in popularity at approximately 20% each year from 2017.

Flavored teas have been around for a long time, and are a great way to add variety to your drinks without adding excess sugar. The demand for flavored teas is expected to rise even more from 2020 through 2025. Restaurateurs find that their customers are more likely to order tea over other beverages, including those containing alcohol if their teas are flavored.

While many flavored teas are regional in terms of flavor preferences, some flavors, like peach and raspberry, remain the most popular overall.  Of the flavors, you can find peach and raspberry tea in cups around the world. In addition to tasting great with tea, peaches and raspberries also have additional health benefits.

The Perennial Goodness of Raspberries

Raspberries are a natural taste treat that is a part of the genus Rubus species of cane fruits. They are also related to roses. The canes which produce these flavorful berries take approximately two years to mature before the berries make their appearance during the summer months. They’re a popular addition to gardens as a hedgerow.

Though raspberries are made up of over 85% water, they also have an impressive nutritional value of 6.5 grams of dietary fiber, very little fat or calories, and are packed with Vitamin C and other essential minerals like manganese.

While scientists and health researchers are still looking into many of the potential health benefits of raspberries, herbalists and folk healers believe that both the leaf and the fruit of the raspberry plant may help ease conditions such as menstrual cramps and other conditions in women.

Not only that, they also taste really good! Raspberries are among the most popular of berries. Their tart flavor pairs well with the tannins of tea to make it taste less bitter.

The Power of Prevention Inside the Peach

Like the Camellia sinensis or the tea plant, the peach tree (Prunus persica) originated in China. A close relative of the nectarine, the fragrant sweetness of peaches contains nutrients, antioxidants, and chemical constituents that can boost the immune system and help the body heal itself.

A single peach contains approximately 15% of the recommended daily requirement of Vitamin C. Peaches also contain Vitamin E, which promotes healthy, glowing skin, can help lower blood pressure, and assist indigestion. Vitamin E benefits healthy bones and teeth in ways that are believed to be superior to taking a daily supplement.

Scientists find that this fruit contains various compounds such as phenols and carotenoids. These have been shown to possess potential anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. The same chemical constituents found in peaches could help in the fight against cancer of the breast, lung, and colon. There is also a great deal of research being done on the effect that peach may have on heart health and age-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sir Jason Winters Flavored Teas

Ever since Sir Jason Winters discovered the healing power of herbs and formulated our tea with red clover (Trifolium pratense), chaparral (Larrea tridentata), and sage (Salvia officials) over 30 years ago, it became his mission to spread these wonderfully tasty blends to others. We maintain that vision to this day.

In addition to our herbal teas, which contain Red Clover, Indian Sage Leaf or Chaparral, Oolong tea, and our special spice, Herbalene®, we’ve added the delicious tastes of Raspberry and Peach in our product line.

Our Raspberry Flavored Tea is available in Pre-Brewed form for quicker brewing in either a 4 ounce sized Pre-Brewed Raspberry Flavored Tea or Pre-Brewed Raspberry Tea with Stevia.

Or if you prefer the convenience of a tea bag, we also have our 30 count box of our unsweetened Raspberry Flavored Tea Bags or a 30 count box of Raspberry Flavored Tea Bags with Stevia.

Sir Jason Winters Peach Flavored Tea and Peach Flavored Tea with Stevia contains all the tastiness of Sir Jason Winters’ original formula with the added flavor of peach. This tea is also available in a convenient 30 count box, which is regularly priced at $14.50 per box is now available for just $10.95.

If you’ve been thinking about trying each of our entire line of delicious teas, why not consider getting a box of each? Right now, we are offering your choice of all four of our teas in a convenient 30 count box. You can mix and match to get a box of each or opt for your favorite Sir Jason Winters Tea, regularly priced for $58.00, is now available for just $39.50!

For even more significant savings, you may also wish to consider taking advantage of Sir Jason Winters convenient subscription service. You will have our delicious teas delivered directly to your door either every two weeks or once a month and receive an additional savings of 5%! With such savings, you will want to try our entire line of teas and see the health and delicious advantage of our teas for yourself!

Resources

“Flavored Tea Market Explosive Factors of Revenue by Key Vendors Size, Demand, Development Strategy, Future Trends.” MarketWatch. Data Bridge Market Research, 04 Feb. 2020. Web. 26 Feb. 2020.

“Focusing on Flavor: Ice Tea Trends & Insights” Restaurant Business Online, May 24, 2017.

“School of Natural Healing” by Dr. John R. Christopher, 20thAnniversary Edition, 1996, Christopher Publications, Springville, Utah

”Herbal Healing for Women” by Rosemary Gladstar, 1993, Fireside Books, New York, NY.

“The path to heaven passes through a pot of tea.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb

The art of tea is an ancient one that has made its way around the world and has a history that is over a thousand years old. The art of making a perfect cup of tea is far more than just pouring boiling water over a teabag. From knowing what tea to select, the ideal amount to buy, how to store it as well as how to brew it and just how much to drink every day are all important things to consider. Each element, from the water you choose to the temperature used to brew the tea, has a great deal of bearing on the taste and enjoyment of a cup of tea.

Choosing Your Tea

Tea professionals such as tea blenders and sommeliers go through extensive training to know how to select and blend the best teas. It’s essential to choose teas made from the finest tea leaves, herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Here at Sir Jason Winters International, we take great pride in the high-quality ingredients in every product that we offer. Each of our teas are blended by a professional tea blender to ensure the best quality.

Storing Your Tea

No matter what kind of tea you purchase, like all types of herbs and spices, it is essential to keep tea leaves away from heat, moisture, and light. Choose an airtight container that is specially designed to hold tea or store in a dark amber or cobalt blue glass jar that can be kept in a cool dark place. Never use plastic or cardboard as it is porous and can absorb any volatile oils in the tea or other herbs and can increase exposure to outside scents, pests, and lessen the shelf life of the drink.

Choosing the Best Water for Tea

Approximately 1,200 years ago, Lo Yu, the author of the ancient Chinese book, “The Classic of Tea,” referred to water as being “The Mother of Tea.” Lo Yu wrote that when brewing tea, the highest quality water should be used. Today, the best water comes from mountain streams. Of lesser quality is river water, followed by water that is drawn from an artesian well that has few minerals within it. Hard water can make tea taste dull or even oily.

Many cities have reclaimed or highly treated water that can affect the taste of tea. Water should be cold, low in minerals, and preferably filtered. Remember: The fresher the water, the more you will notice the delicate and complex tastes contained within the tea.

Heating Water to the Proper Temperature

When heating water for tea, temperature plays a crucial role. Teas that are considered delicate like a white, yellow, green, or teas containing flowers are heated to a somewhat lower temperature than black teas. These types of teas are best infused at approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius). A higher temperature can cause a bitter cup of tea by bruising the delicate tea leaves.

Black and herbal teas, on the other hand, need to be prepared with water that has been brought to a boil or a temperature of approximately 210 degrees Fahrenheit (99 degrees Celsius) to penetrate the cellular wall of the tea and bring out the best flavor. No matter what type of tea you choose to drink, it’s important not to over-boil your water. Boiling water too long causes it to lose oxygen. The more oxygen that is within the water, the better and more complex the taste of your tea.

If you will be using a teapot to steep your tea, it’s important to preheat it before pouring the hot water into the pot. A cold teapot can cool the water to below boiling and also affect the taste of your tea.

How Much Tea to Use

A good rule of thumb in making any type of tea is to use one teaspoon of tea for each cup of tea that you are brewing. If you are brewing a pot of tea that holds four cups, for example, you will want to put four teaspoons of tea into the teapot for brewing. However, always follow the brewing instructions located on the packaging of the tea you purchased.

Some tea connoisseurs recommend adding a bit of hot water into the pot and swirling it around before adding the rest of the water to steep them. This action helps the tea to “wake up” and encourages the leaves to unfurl and begin to release their flavor.

The Right Amount of Time to Steep Your Tea

Depending on the type of tea you are brewing, steeping time can vary. More delicate teas require less steeping time while darker teas and herbal blends may require more time to bring out the best flavor. Steeping tea for too long can cause the leaves to release more tannins and can create a bitter cup of tea.

At Sir Jason Winters, we have included instructions on every package of our tea for precise measurements and steeping times to help ensure you brew the best tasting cup of tea possible.

Our loose leaf teas may be placed in an infuser or tea sack and can be steeped for up to 15 minutes to ensure you get all of the benefits of our  tea.

If you choose to go with our herbal tea bags, you can have a cup of Sir Jason Winters Tea ready to drink in just two or three minutes. Our teas are economical, too. You can reuse your tea bag to steep an additional one or two more cups of tea if you wish!

For our line of pre-brewed teas, both the original formula and our Green Herbal Tea or GHT can be ready to drink in a couple of minutes, and you only need ½ teaspoon to enjoy its delicious taste.

For over 40 years, Sir Jason Winters International has been proud to offer our high quality and delicious teas in a variety of forms and flavors that people worldwide have come to love.

Now is the time to sit back and enjoy the delicious beauty that can be found in tea.

Resources

The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY

“The Tea Box” by Giles Brochard, 2001, Barron’s Educational Series, Hauppauge, NY

“Modern Tea: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Beverage” by Lisa Boalt Richardson, 2014, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA

“20,000 Secrets of Tea “by Victoria Zak, 1999, Random House, New York, N.Y.

The Potential Health Benefits of Sage Tea

Since medieval times, sage, or Salvia officinalis has been regarded as an essential culinary and medicinal herb. As one saying from the period indicates:

“Why should a man die while sage grows in his garden?”

This perennial shrub with grayish-green leaves and purple flowers has been valued for many centuries. It was discovered in Mediterranean climates like ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, but today, sage is cultivated in gardens throughout the world.

Sage is valued for its pleasant, clean scent and the savory flavor it adds in cooking. Sage is a natural tonifier and has traditionally been used to aid digestion, promote a healthy appetite, calm an upset stomach, ease a sore throat, help for those suffering from diarrhea, promote healthy brain function, and promoting hormonal balance in women.

Sage is an excellent source of Vitamins A, B, C, and K and contains a number of volatile oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other active constituents within its leaves. Steeping increases the potency of these naturally occurring chemicals and makes them easier to assimilate within the body.

The Antioxidant Properties of Sage Tea

Over the years, studies have shown that Salvia officinalis contains powerful antioxidant properties that can act to reduce free radicals and other stressors within the body that can create inflammation. While inflammation in the body is a part of its natural healing process, chronic inflammation can weaken the body and cause additional health issues and illnesses. Sage acts to prevent damage to cells and to stabilize and eliminate the mucus within the body that can increase the body’s susceptibility to illness and disease.

In a study conducted in Slovenia at the Agronomy Department of the University of Ljubljana, researchers found that the ursolic acid contained within sage leaves was more potent than the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in mice. Sage also contains carnosol and camphor. Both of these constituents act to stimulate blood flow within the body and the brain and further reduce inflammation.

Studies from research teams around the world have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of sage can reduce the pain and swelling that is associated with arthritis and can give warming comfort on a cold and rainy day or any time. Sage acts as a natural diuretic that can help eliminate toxins within the body.

Sage and the Brain

Sage also has a reputation for helping those suffering from memory loss and may potentially slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive challenges. Researchers have found that sage tea can help reduce stress by easing feelings of irritation, agitation. Sitting down to a cup of tea with sage can help calm you down and soothe feelings of anxiety.

Another amazing benefit of sage tea is that it can also help to increase focus and promote retention of information.

Sage Tea and Diabetes

For those suffering from or looking to prevent the onset of diabetes, sage tea can help to lower and normalize blood glucose levels. Those who drink sage tea regularly also have lower levels of bad cholesterol and higher levels of good cholesterol and can aid in fighting the effects of anemia.

Sage for Women’s Health – Sage contains phytoestrogens which can promote normal menstrual flow, relieve fatigue and depression, and normalize or elevate the mood in women suffering from morning sickness as well as premenstrual, perimenopausal, or menopausal symptoms that often occur with drastic hormonal changes happening within their bodies. Sage is also known to treat problems such as urinary tract infections and cystitis in both men and women alike.

Sage Tea for Healthy Skin, Teeth, and Hair

For centuries, herbalists and healers around the world have utilized sage tea to address several health issues, but it is also known to help in making you feel good both inside and out. Many people use sage tea to:

• Treat gum diseases such as gingivitis and receding gums.
• Strengthen and fortify the teeth.
• Treat oral ulcers or mouth sores with its natural astringent properties.
• Reduce the amount of oil on your skin that can cause blemishes.
• Reduce excessive sweating.
• Reduce the potential effects of sunburn by applying a weak tea infusion to the skin before and after sun exposure.
• Increase the metabolism within the body and aid in weight loss.
• Used as a rinse for the hair, sage helps absorb excess oil on the scalp and leaves the hair soft and shiny.

A sage tea rinse after shampooing can also reduce alopecia or hair loss, which can happen when we are stressed or as we age. By simply applying from roots to ends, massaging the infusion into the scalp, and then rinsing after 20 -30 minutes later can help reduce hair loss. Sage tea can also help clear up dandruff and dermatitis.

As promising as the benefits of sage are; however, we do advise that you consult with your physician before drinking sage tea, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, or are taking other medications.

At Sir Jason Winters International, we’ll readily admit that we’re more than a little partial to the tasty goodness and potential benefits of drinking sage tea! Sir Jason Winters himself was a firm believer in the benefits of drinking sage tea regularly, and we include this herb in our Sir Jason Winters Classic Blend Herbal Tea. Regularly priced at $29.95, is now available for just $24.95 for a 5-ounce canister. If you want to save an additional 5% on your monthly or bi-weekly order, consider taking advantage of our convenient subscription service and get your tea delivered directly to your door and experience the delicious goodness of sage for yourself!

Resources

“The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants” by Andrew Chevallier, 1996, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London

“The Chemotaxonomy of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) Based on the Volatile Constituents” by Jonathan D. Craft, Prabodh Satyal, and William N. Setzer, 2017, Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama

“Planetary Herbology: An Integration of Western Herbs Into the Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Systems” by Michael Tierra, 1998, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

“20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature’s Healing Herbs” by Victoria Zak, 1999, Dell Publishing, New York, New York

In previous posts, we’ve pointed out the many ways that drinking green tea is an excellent way to help ensure your body’s overall good health. One of the most intriguing, yet often overlooked, benefits of green tea is the way that it can help boost your dental health.

The benefit of green tea on teeth and gums has been researched worldwide. Today, dentists are suggesting to their patients that drinking green tea can help improve oral health conditions such as dental caries (cavities), periodontal disease, and even bad breath.

Here are just some of the ways that your drinking can also help you maintain good oral health:

Reduces Plaque and Cavities

Researchers from the Academy of General Dentistry recently released a study that indicated green tea is one of the best beverages you can drink, other than water, for good dental health.

Scientists have seen evidence that Camelia sinensis, the plant that green and black tea comes from, naturally contains the powerful catechin antioxidant Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. They say that in addition to antioxidant properties, green tea also contains certain phytochemicals that have antiviral properties that significantly inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. These along with other similar bacterial strains are known to lead to several oral health issues like plaque buildup, cavities, and periodontal disease.

Dentists recommend that people drink a cup of unsweetened green tea in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Drinking a single cup of unsweetened green tea or swishing it in the mouth as a rinse after brushing can provide extra protection for the teeth.

Helps to Prevent Tooth Decay, Receding Gums, & Tooth Loss

According to a study that was recently published through the National Institute of Health (NIH), Japanese researchers found that those who consumed green tea on a regular basis experienced significantly fewer symptoms of periodontal disease than those who didn’t. Some of the symptoms of periodontitis include swelling and inflammation of the gums, bleeding gums, gradual receding gums and loosening of teeth, which can lead to eventual tooth loss.

Also, researchers conducting the study found that those participating in the study who consumed green tea also tended to lose much less tooth enamel on their teeth as compared to those who consumed other beverages like soft drinks, fruit juice, or even coffee.

Scientists believe that one reason for this may be because of the catechins like EGCG contained within the tea act to reduce inflammation and swelling around the teeth. Also, the naturally occurring tannins which are contained within green tea act as an astringent to further firm and tighten up the gums, which can help prevent tooth loss.

Strengthen Teeth and Prevent Bone Loss

Researchers in China have found that the antioxidants like EGCG contained within green tea bones and prevent degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Dental patients who drank green tea regularly were found to have stronger bones and teeth overall.

Researchers believe that, again, it’s due to those catechins which we talk about all the time in green tea! These compounds significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria, which contribute directly to tooth decay and other forms of dental disease.

Assists in the Healing Process After an Extraction

No one ever looks forward to having a tooth filled, extracted, or having a root canal. A simple way to reduce pain after such radical dental procedures is to turn to green tea.

After receiving a filling, extraction, or other painful forms of oral surgery, drinking green tea afterward can aid in reducing pain and help your mouth to heal. After a procedure, bleeding can be reduced by placing a green tea bag over the extraction site. The tannins, antioxidants and antiviral properties within green tea will act to soothe and protect the wound.

Some dentists recommend their patients drink a cup of green tea every day for about a week or two after a tooth is extracted. This can help treat or even prevent the painful condition known as dry socket from occurring. The antioxidants in green tea can also help you work out the adverse effects of anesthesia.

Fights Against Bad Breath

It even helps with bad breath! A study conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and submitted to the Dental Research Journal found that drinking green tea, there was a significant reduction in the biofilms which attack the surface of the teeth and gums.

Scientists believe that this may be because of the antioxidant EGCG and other bacteria-resistant compounds found within green tea. These help prevent decay and reduce germs which cause halitosis.

Can Aid in the Prevention of Heart Disease

Over the last few years, researchers in both cardiac and dental medicine have discovered a link between heart disease and poor oral health. Scientists working on several studies over the last decade have noted an increased risk of heart disease in those patients who suffer from gum disease or periodontitis. Bacterial infection within the teeth and gums can not only cause tooth and bone loss but can travel into the bones and the bloodstream to adversely affect the heart and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Of course, drinking green tea should not be done in place of regular visits to your dentist and practicing good oral hygiene. However, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties which can help fight off and slow down the progress of dental disease can also help to reduce high blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

There are so many ways that drinking green tea can help to ensure good dental health. Why not try some today and see for yourself?

Resources

“Dental Herbalism: Natural Therapies for the Mouth” by Leslie M. Alexander, Ph.D., RH (AHG) and Linda A. Straub-Bruce BS Ed, RDH, 2014, Healing Arts Press

“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Toronto, Canada
“The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY
“The Everything Healthy Tea Book: Discover the Healthy Benefits of Tea” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Adams Media, Avon, MA
“20,000 Secrets of Tea” by Victoria Zak, 1999, Random House, New York, N.Y

“Effect of Camellia Sinensis plant on decreasing the level of halitosis: A Systemic Review,” by Bahareh Tahani and Roya Sabzian, Isfahan, Iran. 2018, Dental Research Journal, via ResearchGate.net, web.

Summertime is traditionally known as the bridal season. One of the most elegant and sophisticated ways to celebrate two people coming together is by hosting a bridal or wedding tea party. Whether you’re planning a traditional Asian tea ceremony or hosting high tea at during a wedding breakfast, a wedding tea party can be the perfect way to bring friends and family together to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Bridal Shower Tea Party

Serving high tea for the bride to be can be both simple and sophisticated. Long held as a tradition throughout the British Empire, interest in making high tea a wedding event to remember is enjoying a resurgence today.

A pre-wedding bridal shower can be formal or as casual you wish, depending on the personality of the bride and your own personal taste. A formal tea is the perfect time to show off a collection of your grandmother’s delicate teacups and silver tea service. You can host an intimate bridal tea party in a garden or backyard or as part of a luncheon at a local hotel.

While men shouldn’t be banned from a bridal shower tea event, décor does tend to be decidedly more feminine. To create a garden atmosphere, add bouquets of fresh cut flowers to antique teapots, or cut crystal bowls. You can choose a look that is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, or something straight out of Downton Abbey. Set the table with fine linens and accentuate with tea caddies or carts filled with cakes and finger sandwiches. The theme and color scheme can be those chosen by the bride for the wedding. The theme and color scheme can be those chosen by the bride for the wedding.

The Menu

At the top of the list of things to serve at a bridal shower tea party is tea, of course! Make sure to have a variety of teas on hand to suit the various tastes of your guests. Some may love the richness of black or Oolong tea, while others are more inclined to green or herbal teas. On hot days, be sure to have plenty of iced tea, both sweetened and unsweetened, to help guests quench their thirst and cool off.

Set up a buffet table so that guests may choose for themselves, and be sure to have tea strainers, slices of lemon, cream, and sugar to match how your guests like their tea.
Have scones with cream as well as other sweet treats like pastries, chocolate covered strawberries, heart-shaped tarts filled with apricot, strawberry or peach preserves and tea cake.
Sandwiches can be watercress, cucumber, chicken salad with tarragon or smoked salmon. Have other finger foods on hand such as deviled eggs, petit fours,

Encourage guests to bring gifts if possible to wish the bride and her intended well on her journey into married life. If you’re a bit at a loss as to what to get, most couples will register at local department stores or favorite online merchants.

Wedding Day Tea

Many weddings throughout the world feature tea as part of the celebration on the big day. Tea can be served as part of a post-nuptial wedding breakfast or reception, or it can be an essential part of the wedding ceremony itself as it is in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia.

Hosting high tea after the wedding nuptials can be an excellent way for the newlyweds to spend time and celebrate after exchanging wedding vows. What could be more beautiful and elegant than enjoying tea, good food and loved ones in a natural setting such as a rose garden or other outdoor setting shaded by trees?

What to Serve on The Big Day

As the bridal shower tea, what you offer to guests is all a matter of personal preference. If your wedding tea is in the late morning, afternoon or evening, you may want to consider serving hot foods in addition to cold finger foods and pastries. Having a full luncheon after tea can be an excellent way to celebrate a wedding day.

The Wedding Tea Ceremony in China

In China, the tea ceremony is an integral part of the three prayers, which are a part of traditional Taoism. The couple is directed by the priest or officiant to pray to the powers of heaven and earth, then to the parents of the groom and then lastly to each other as part of the wedding ceremony. The tea set that is used in a wedding ceremony is traditionally a part of the bride’s dowry.

After the tea is served to the parents, grandparents, and other significant family members, gifts are presented to the newlywed couple.

The tea that is served by the bride during the wedding is traditionally sweet. Symbolic gifts bestowed include lotus seeds to ensure that the couple is blessed with children and long life.

Japanese Tea Traditions

In Japan, the tea ceremony is traditionally conducted when the couple announces their betrothal in a ceremony called the yuino. During the yuino ceremony, the parents of the bride and groom exchange a series of symbolic gifts. This includes the konbu seaweed to ensure that the couple bears children, a long piece of hemp to symbolize long life for both the husband and wife, a fan to ensure future wealth, and the traditional gift of money (approximately $5,000) that is given by both parents and enclosed in an envelope tied with silver and gold strings.

While it is traditionally less common to have a tea ceremony conducted on the day of the wedding, it is gaining in popularity among younger Japanese couples who wish to connect with their cultural traditions.

Many major hotels and convention centers throughout Japan have their own tea rooms. The ceremony can be left up to the personal tastes of the bride and groom. However, the tradition is for the couple to express to each other the ideals of the Cha-do or traditional Japanese tea ceremony. These ideals include peace and harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility in one’s new life together.

Resources:

Donaldson, Babette. The Everything Healthy Tea Book: Discover the Healing Benefits of Tea. Adams Media, 2014.
Fellow, Elizabeth. Tea at Downton: Afternoon Tea Recipes from the Unofficial Guide to Downton Abbey. Healthy Wealthy NWise Press, 2014.
Lam, Kam Chuen., et al. The Way of Tea: the Sublime Art of Oriental Tea Drinking. Barron’s Educational Series, 2002.