Tea time

Although it has origins in China, tea became popular throughout the entire Eurasian landmass several centuries ago, and many different cultures now observe their own tea traditions. Tea certainly has a special place in the culture of Japan. This spring (Tuesday, March 19, at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 11, at 8, 9 and 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) Sacramentans can learn more about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Sokiku Nakatani Tea Room and Garden at Sacramento State University's library (6000 J Street). These ceremonies, called chado, are free and open to the public. Each chado presentation lasts 75 minutes and comes with a bowl of green tea. Some attendees will be chosen to sit on traditional mats and participate in the ceremony. Visit http://apps.lib.csus.edu/tearoom for more information.