What is Chabashira?
Chabashira (pronounced “cha-ba-shee-ra”) literally meaning “tea pillar,” refers to a part of the tea stems that sometimes float vertically in a teapot or teacup after tea has been poured. When this happens, it is known as “standing chabashira,” which is considered a positive omen in Japanese culture.
Why is a Standing Chabashira Considered Lucky?
There are a few reasons why a standing chabashira is thought to bring good fortune:
- Rarity: A chabashira standing upright in your cup is a rare occurrence, and rarity is often seen as a sign of good fortune.
- Symbolic Meaning: A chabashira standing evokes the image of a strong, stable foundation, much like the pillar of a home. This symbolizes security and progress, suggesting that life is moving forward smoothly, with a solid foundation supporting it.
Chabashira as a Daily Symbol of Good Fortune
The belief in the good fortune of a standing chabashira became widespread during the Edo period(1603-1868). At that time, most common people drank bancha, a more affordable tea made with leaves and stems, instead of high-quality sencha. Finding a standing chabashira in your cup was seen as a special, happy moment in everyday life.
How to Make a Chabashira Stand
- How it Works: Tea stems contain tiny air pockets that form during the drying process. When hot water is poured over the tea leaves, the water gradually soaks into these pockets. The stems absorb moisture from both ends, but the absorption happens at different speeds, making one side heavier than the other. This imbalance causes the stem to stand upright in the tea. Over time, as the stem continues to absorb water, it will eventually sink and rest at the bottom of the cup.
- Tips for Making a Chabashira Stand:
- Use tea leaves that contain stems, such as bancha or stem tea.
- Choose a teapot with holes large enough for the stems to pass through, or a tea strainer with a coarse mesh.
- Pour the tea gently. If you pour too quickly, the stems will float around the cup instead of stand up.
Chabashira-related Beliefs and Traditions
- "Seven Stems Standing":
It is extremely rare for seven stems(chabashira) to stand up at once in a cup. When this happens, it is believed to bring a lifetime of good luck. - When the Chabashira Lies Down:
Sometimes, the chabashira may not stand and instead lie flat in the cup. However, this is not considered unlucky.
Chabashira is a delightful and charming tradition, offering us little moments of happiness in our daily lives. Next time you enjoy a cup of tea, why not keep an eye out for a chabashira standing in your cup?