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.