I like it!

TW

Or one in Israel called Cheeses of Nazareth.

I know this is an old thread, but this conversation needed a bit of factual input.
Let it be known that I, in no way, intend to offend anyone or their culture. I have done quite a lot of reading on the Tea Ceremony and it's history for use in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), a group that studies and recreates the Middle Ages.

The Chinese were the originators of the Tea Ceremony - or tea party, as it would more accurately be described.
Originally, it was an opportunity to take a break, gather and enjoy some tea. If someone knew how to play an instrument or sing or recite poetry, then entertainment was informally presented for the enjoyment of all. It was a laid back gathering of friends and family, to enjoy a moment together over a common beverage.

When the Japanese witnessed the Tea Ceremony, they did what they often did when they found a Chinese tradition that they liked: they took it and made it their own.
The Japanese, as a culture, are very ceremonial and love precise ritual. They took what started out as an informal tea party and developed it into a ceremony that had to be performed just so. This has inspired thousands to learn it's very precise methods and practice it in a way that would spark similarity among magicians.

To do a C&B routine as a Japanese Tea Ceremony would probably offend.
To do it as part of a Chinese Tea Party, it would most likely go over well, as long as the culture was shown the proper respect it deserves.


As with anything else, do some research. The worst thing that could happen is that you might waste some time. The best thing that could happen is that you honor those from whom you borrow.