When Tea Becomes Philosophy!

Japan & Morocco | Two Ceremonies, One Common Soul

At first glance, the Japanese tea ceremony seems to be completely different from the Moroccan tea ceremony. One is silent, slow, and meditative. The other is lively, generous, and abundant.

And yet, behind the gestures, the aromas and the traditions, the same truth emerges: Tea is more than a drink – it is a path to harmony, a mirror of the soul, a celebration of life.

The Way of Tea in Japan | Chadō , the Art of Silence

In Japan, we don't drink tea, we practice it.

The Japanese tea ceremony , also called Sadō or Chadō (茶道 – the "way of tea" ), is a total art form, born from Zen philosophy. It engages the body, the mind, and the heart. Every gesture – from cleaning the bowl to preparing the matcha – is codified, inhabited, and charged with intention.

One enters the teahouse as one would a temple: leaving one's concerns at the door. Silence is precious. Time stands still. This is the world of wabi-sabi , that humble, imperfect, and ephemeral beauty that reveals the essence of things.

Tea, here, becomes an act of stripping away, an offering of presence.

" Ichigo ichie" (一期一会) – A once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Every ceremony is unique. And in that uniqueness lies the depth of the moment.

Moroccan Tea – Atay, the Art of Sacred Hospitality

In Morocco, tea is a bond.

In the alleys of Fez, under a Berber tent in the Atlas Mountains, in a house in Casablanca or in the NANA1807 Tea Room , Moroccan tea is a constant . A welcome offering. A daily ritual. A music of clinking glasses and fragrant mint.

But much more than a drink, the Moroccan Tea ceremony is a deeply rooted ritual of hospitality . And it all starts at the entrance:

✨ Shoes are removed before entering the room where the ceremony takes place, as a sign of respect and purity.
✨ We come to the table to wash your hands , a traditional welcoming gesture, often accompanied by rose water perfume – a delicate, sensory, almost poetic moment.
✨ Tea service follows an order: it is served from right to left , according to an ancient tradition.
✨ Before drinking, everyone says "Bismillah" – (in Arabic: بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ) In the name of God – a simple but profound blessing to accompany this moment of sharing.

Moroccan tea is prepared with Chinese green tea , fresh mint and sugar , often in three courses, each with its own symbolism:

"The first is sweet as life, the second strong as love, the third bitter as death."

The act of pouring tea is an art in itself. It oxygenates the tea, creates a delicate foam, but above all, it attracts the eye and invites sharing.

Tea here becomes a language of love, respect, and openness.

Two Worlds, One Soul | The Philosophy of the Link

Everything seems to oppose these two ceremonies – and yet, they come together where it really matters .

✨ Both transform a simple gesture (preparing tea) into a sacred act.
✨ Both require full attention to the present moment.
✨ Both create a bond – one with oneself, the other with others.
✨ Both affirm that Tea is a path to harmony , a ritual of peace.

Where Japan seeks inner silence, Morocco cultivates shared speech. But at its core, the message is the same:
Live here and now, with respect, beauty and presence.

Tea | Universal Language of Peace

In a busy, noisy, fragmented world, these two traditions remind us of one essential thing:
Taking the time to offer, to prepare, to serve – that is already sowing peace.

Whether we bow before a bowl of matcha or artfully pour mint tea into a tulip glass, we celebrate the same humanity.

It is in this spirit that the " Mint Tea for Peace " initiative was born, supported by Maison NANA1807. At each ceremony, MOUIMA Mint Tea is in the spotlight: a living tribute to Moroccan traditions, to a grandmother's love, to the sweetness passed down between generations.
This vibrant and authentic organic tea becomes the common thread of a moment of sharing, intercultural dialogue, and peace in action.

Perhaps this is the real secret of Tea:

Teaching us to slow down, to honor life, and to meet the other – in the steam of a hot beverage.