Hatsugama 2010

Every January as a herald of the New Year the Blue Lotus Okiya celebrates Hatsugama.

This year as always it was a collection of the okiya family and some close and honored patrons, assembled together for the early morning event. For some hours the sim was closed to all but those on the special guest list. Giving the invited patrons full use of the okiya grounds after the event to relax.

Hatsugama, the first tea of the year, was hosted by our Okaasan, Mikido Yoshikawa. Maiko Umeha and Ichisumi assisted her in presenting the ceremony. The event was simple enough to follow for novice tea aficionados but still held all the charm and traditional aspects of Hatsugama.

Guests were greeted in the entrance of the entertainment retreat and guided through a walking tour on the spirituality of the Japanese Tea ceremony on their way to the tea house.Everyone sported kimono lending to the serenity of the gathering. The Blue Lotus women were all attired in complementary kimono formed a welcoming line near the entrance of the tea house.

Once inside the tea house was tasteful and serene, the perfect showcase for the traditional kaiseki meal followed by the first tea ceremony. The meal it self was a work of art each traditional dish painstakingly recreated. The guests bantered quietly and everyone had a relaxed good time. Sharing this moment with friends, family and close patrons made this Hatsugama one of those snapshot moments you cherish of your time in Second Life.

For more pictures of hatsugama please look at our photo album.

Akemashite Omedetou-san Dosu!

In other words, happy new year to all our patrons!

The ladies at Blue Lotus have wrapped up our to-dos for last year, and we are feeling refreshed and ready to face the year 2010 with big plans and, as always, the aim to continue bringing the beauty of the flower and willow world to Second Life. We look forward to sharing the year with all of you!

Already we'll be ringing in the year with some auspicious events during the month of January. First, the geisha will be going back to work on the 2nd to host the first ozashiki of the year on board the SS Galaxy. We hope to start off the month with a lovely performance there and as always, a relaxing bowl of tea. The ozashiki will begin at 4pm, we hope you will join us!

Another of the events we'll be hosting during the New Year period is Shigyoushiki, the hanamachi's annual awards ceremony honoring the maiko and geiko who have made significant contributions during the last year. This will be our first time hosting Shigyoushiki at Blue Lotus. The date and time is still to be decided, so keep checking the calendar to find out when!

Yet another of our events planned for the month (and the one I am personally looking forward to the most) is Hatsugama. Literally translating to 'first kettle,' this is a reverent event marking the first full tea ceremony of the year. As the chado instructor at Blue Lotus, okaasan Mikido Yoshikawa will perform the honorable task of serving tea for her students. We are very fortunate to have a teacher with such great knowledge of the way of tea, and it will be an event to remember.

More events will be announced throughout the month, so keep up to date with the calendar and we'll look forward to welcoming you all again to Blue Lotus in 2010! Blessings to you for the year ahead!

Regards,
Maiko Umeha 梅 葉