Furo Season

Furo Season by Donna D'Orio


In the world of tea May 1ST marks the beginning of the summer season called Furo Season, which lasts until October, 31ST.  At the end of October the season for tea returns to winter and is known as Ro Season. During Ro, the hearth which is called Ro is sunken; snug in its underground cove near the center of the room the kettle simmers water for tea while providing heat for the chilly tea room.  In summer, the hearth is raised above ground and moved to the edge of the tea room providing an open cool atmosphere. The summer hearths, known as Furo, are the portable braziers used in the tea room to heat the hot water kettle or kama to make the tea. The moving of the hearth is symbolic of the changing season and celebrated as Hatsuburo or first tea. The tatami mats are renewed, summer utensils brought out of hiding and Wagashi (bean paste sweets) are served in celebration of good health.

The first (hatsu) harvesting of Camellia tips for Matcha.

Our Teishu (host) graces the tea room with her delightful spring Kimono held snug by a bright and cheery Obi (the sash worn with the kimono).  Soft steps brushing against tatami, the ring of Hishaku (bamboo ladle) against the Futa-Oki (ladle rest), and the delicate song of steam rising from the iron kettle joined in chorus with squeaky Obi (squeaky Obi are of fine quality). The sounds of the tea room, each unique meld together creating an atmosphere the guests grow to crave as part of tea. I relax into the quiet song of the Chashitsu (tea room) and with a calm grace anticipate a flavorful bowl of Usucha, thin tea.



One of my favorite moments in tea is when the Teishu places the utensils. I am always curious and excited to see the Chawan (tea bowl). Tonight’s bowl held the theme of the willow tree. It is a happy tree in Japan, symbolizing respect and the joy of being blessed. Strong and yielding, it sways in the gentle breeze and withstands the fierce wind, offering itself for the practical and aesthetic needs of man. How appropriate that it be honored as decoration for Chawan.

Two scoops of Matcha, a half dipper of water whisked together with the spirit of the willow, tea is made and we are satisfied.

I enjoyed the beginning of tea summer, the fresh sweet taste of frothy green Matcha whisked to perfection by the teishu. A perfect ending to a long, long day.



A bow to you…

About Donna D'Orio: A Colorado native residing in Western Oregon (the land of rain) as I study Chado, Zen and participate actively with my grandchildren as I continue to pursue my artistic path. I hold a BA in Art and Cultural Studies. I am currently building a body of work to show and make available through my upcoming blog and website currently under construction and hope to see you there in the future.


 
 

Check out our new spring glazes for our handcrafted tea cups, click here

Spring Renewal Tea

Spring, a time of renewal and growth to welcome in the new energies for the coming year.


We shed the old, and make room the new.


As we embark upon this season, we welcome and celebrate our newest creation, Spring Renewal Tea






This tea was formulated to assist in cleansing and renewing.






Below is a bit information on some of the herbs in our Spring Renewal Tea, including plant energetics, spiritual properties and color therapy of the plants.






* Dandelion :  One of the best natural sources of potassium! Dandelion is a valuable tonic for the liver, it's bitter action also aids in digestion. Dandelion increases the mineral assimilation (absorption) from foods. Stimulates blood cleansing and flow. Dandelion is traditionally one of the best herbs for toning the liver. Dandelion aids in exhaustion and fatigue. Dandelion is high in Vitamin A, Calcium and Iron.






The flower of the dandelion is colored yellow which is related to the sun. Yellow is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which is concerned with intellect and judgment. Yellow stimulates mental ability and concentration, and aids detachment.


Yellow activates the motor nerves. It generates energy for the muscles. .


Yellow affects the digestive system, gastrointestinal tract, adrenal activity and the left hemisphere brain activity.






Yellow is excellent for the nerves and the brain; It is a motor stimulant and a nerve builder.






Yellow rays strengthen the nerves and aid the brain.






Yellow has a stimulating, cleansing, and eliminating action on the liver, intestines, and the skin.






Yellow purifies the blood stream. It activates the lymphatic system.






Yellow is a spleen depressant, cathartic, cholegogue, antheimintic.






* Burdock Root : Aids in digestion and kidney function. Moves the body into a balance of greater health. Traditionally used a nourishing herb for the liver and blood. Burdock is high in minerals and vitamins.


The color of Burdock root when dried is brown.


Brown is an earthy color. It grounds, stabilizes and neutralizes. It is an effective color in healing.


Brown is especially effective in stabilizing overexcited states. It calms and grounds emotions and extreme mental conditions. Brown can help awaken common sense and discrimination. It brings us back down to earth.


Brown is effective for any kind of spaciness.






* Oat Straw : Contains high levels of Silica Acid, Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous. Oat Straw calms the nervous system, builds healthy teeth and strong bones. Oat Straw is nourishing to the thyroid strengthens the adrenals. A nourishing herbs for the ovaries and uterus. Oat Straw is an exception herb for the skin.

The color of dried Oat Straw is golden, a color energy for the navel chakra healing, nurturing, soothing.






* Red Clover : A beneficial herb to restore and maintain wellness. Red Clover is nourishing to whole system but has a affinity to the blood.  Red Clover improves functions of the liver, gall bladder and circulatory system. The spiritual properties allow emotions to be more conscious, a deeper sense of a purpose toward emotions. The throat chakra energy is released. Clovers focus is also on the root chakra.






The fragrance of Red clover is inciting, you can imagine your self lying in a field of clovers, inhaling it to know it. there is a deep sense of letting go that often results from the fragrance of red clover. The color of the flower is reddish- pink. Pink is a color energy for your root & Heart Chakra; self acceptance, unconditional love, gentleness.










* Nettle :  Contains one of the most natural sources of chlorophyll. Nettles is nourishing to the kidneys. Nettles is an overall tonic for the entire system. Nettles restores and builds energy levels. Nettles is high in Vitamins A, C, D and K. Nettles is also high in Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Sulfur. 

Nettles is a deep green color. The color green is energy for the Heart Chakra  comfort, balance, love.   Green is cooling, soothing, and calming. Green acts upon the sympathetic nervous system. It relieves tension in the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. It acts upon the nervous system as a sedative and is helpful in sleeplessness, exhaustion, and irritability.










* Peppermint :  Improves digestion and  is a tonic for the stomach. Peppermint removes mucous build up. Peppermint has an affinity for the plasma, blood, marrow and nervous system. It's mildly soothing action relaxes the body, creates a clear mind.


 There is an ability and strong tendency for cleansing of the etheric physical being with Peppermint, so that the vibrations of each chakra and subtle bodies draw energy from the soul and higher self.






The color of peppermint is green; green strongly affects the heart chakra, and it is balancing to the autonomic nervous system. It can be applied beneficially in cardiac conditions, high blood pressure, ulcers, exhaustion, and headaches.


Green harmonizes, life-giving, calms the mind, nerves, fever, and acidity; balances the metabolism, stabilizes the weight, tones liver and spleen; and benefits the pituitary gland.


Green awakens greater friendliness, hope, faith, and peace.


Green is restful and revitalizing to overtaxed mental conditions. It is emotionally soothing.


Green loosens and equalizes the etheric body.


Green is the color of energy, youth, growth, inexperience, fertility, hope, and new life.


Green is an emotional stabilizer and pituitary stimulant.






Start your Spring Renewal Now: Click here to order

Happy Spring!!!

*3-Meditation colors for Spring Detoxing click here to learn*

 To learn more about chakra balancing, color therapy and chakra aromatherapy products please visit this website: http://www.consciouscolors.com/

 

 

The Ultimate Cleanse for Women with Busy Lives!

Learn more about spring cleansing by visiting :  http://hannahsharvest.com/cleanse-power/