The Tea Ceremony of Yor

This tea ceremony developed through the herbalists who gathered to harvest tea and prepare remedies to take back to their villages. Nowadays it is a huge draw card for tourists and herbalists alike. For some herbalists it is almost like a religious pilgrimage.

History

Herbalists would gather in this area to harvest tea for their remedies. As they learned more of the properties they developed the ceremony to promote the most beneficial aspects of the tea.

Execution

Implement preparation. The herbalists weave basket and sharpen their knives and make ready the things they need for this years harvest. 
Tea offerings for a good harvest. The best tea of the previous year, or goods made with tea. 
Tea harvesting. There is a song sung while the herbalists pick tea. It is part of every herbalists apprenticeship. 
Tea drying or preparing depending if remedy needs a fresh or dry herb for full efficacy. There are certain rituals, for example, the first basket is done all together. Carried to the drying area with a procession of song and dance. They ask for the healing gods to embue their essence within the tea. After the first batch is begun, they head to various places to help the process go faster. 
Tea brewing. Once the work is done, some of the tea is brewed and poured on the ground for the gods.

Components and tools

Specially woven baskets and tea gathering blades are used. Tea knives are only used for this purpose as they are specially made to help removing just the right leaves. They are very precise intruments. 
The Herbalist Guild took on one of the tea farms and it is fenced and private for the herbalists to gather. Some live full time taking care of the tea while others must return to their villages. Often herbalists who have had their apprentice succeed them will come here as a sort of retirement. But they can always be called back if needed in a crisis.

Participants

Herbalists are the main participants, but some times now tourists or locals may be involved.

Observance

The rites happen after the first frost. The herbalists will often arrive early to begin the basket weaving and knife sharpening.