Perfect Pairing:
Poetry and Tea Experience Event
Join us for an inspiring and cultural Poetry and Tea Experience event at our tea shop in downtown Chicago.
May 5, 2022 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Reserve your spot. Space is limited.
RSVP by May 3rd, 2022.
Haiku Poems and Tea
Many say that tea pairs perfectly with a good book, well poetry is a great tea companion too. Specifically in Japanese culture and tea ceremonies, poems play a big role in the experience. Tea ceremonies represent harmony, respect, purity and tranquility, and words through poems, like Haiku, can convey that feeling. Haiku is one of the most popular types of Japanese poems which has received global acclaim. It consists of 17 syllables and is formatted in three lines, usually in a 5-7-5 format. A Haiku is non-rhyming but has become successful for the metaphors and imagery that capture the emotions of the season or flavors of a tea cup. We invite you to join us for an afternoon with Sensei Sheeha and tea-sommelier, Agnieszka Rapacz, as they bring together tea and poetry for an inspiring experience.
Poetry and Tea in Japanese Culture
The infusion of poems and tea is observed deeply in Japanese culture. Poetry was often used as a means of communication, similar to letters, music and dance. In a Japanese tea ceremony, scrolls hang on the wall showcasing wisdom through poetry. The best examples can be found in Japanese poetry and how it blends well with Japanese tea. Harmony, respect, tranquility, and purity make an inspirational infusion that can be witnessed in the serving of tea and poetry performance in Japan.
This unique tea experience is presented by:
William Seiyo Sheeha
He is the resident Haiku poet at the Japanese Culture Center - 日本文化会館, has been published worldwide including Haiku International, Haiku Society of America, Modern Haiku, and spoken on Japanese Television on Haiku. Sensei runs Kumanoko Arts Foundation and teaches Hanko/Inkan (Stone Carving) for the Japanese Culture center as well. In addition to his Arts, Sensei is also the leader of the Chicago Keikokai of Meifu Shinkage Ryu style of ShurikenJutsu, Religious Scholar from Purdue University, Buddhist Lay Chaplain at the local Veterans Administration Hospital.
Agnieszka Rapacz
She is a certified tea sommelier and owner of the tea shop in Chicago. She has been involved in tea industry for over 13 years, traveled to Japan, China, South Africa, New Zealand, and Austria to visit and meet the tea growers in person. And she is proud that Chicago magazine named her shop the best in town. DePaul honored Agnieszka in their annual 40 under 40 most successful graduates. Tea is her passion.
If you have questions or would like to reserve your spot call us at (312) 932-0639 by May 3rd, 2022.
RSVP by May 3rd, 2022.
We are looking forward to seeing you!