Invitation

招待状

Procedures of invitation

• Theme possibilities
  1. seasonal plus

  2. literate： poetics, Noh, history

  3. personal： happy or sad occasions
• Timing：
  • One month before chaji, send invitation OR
  • One month before chaji, make arrangement by phone; send invitation. At least two weeks before chaji, reconfirm (by phone)

  Text / form of invitation to Shokyaku:

(written on a roll of washi- maki-gami, in brush/ink, folded and sealed)：

1. seasonal greetings, how much the Teishu is looking forward to having them, etc

2. must say： “socha ippuku sashiagetai to zonjimasu” 粗茶一服 差し上げとうございす/ 上げたいと思います (I want to serve you a simple bowl of tea) somewhere in the letter

3. other Guests (Renkyaku　連客*), should be added at end, after addressee’s name：

   • Teishu decides mix, sends each an invitation with Guest list or

   • Shokyaku asked to bring (how many) other Renkyaku, informs Teishu and other Guests of the choice

4. place- add map seperately if they do not know the location
5. time- seki-iri means the time to enter the seki, literally; Guests should be expected anytime from 15-30 minutes early, especially if in bad weather
6. date written and sent

   • Teishu your name- small, at bottom of letter

   • Guest / Addressee- at top of letter, large, with -sama, -sensei, etc.

7. Sending / answering- decide by phone then send letter to provide details and leave a memory

8. Zenrei / Mizuya Mimai– Shokyaku goes to Teishu‘s home/ teahouse to check route, that the house is still there, that there are no funerals, roadwork, etc in the neighborhood. This is time to bring mizuya mimai, orei, etc.