Hello! This is Goencha. Today, I'd like to explain why tea is chosen as a condolence gift. Tea is chosen as a condolence gift because it conveys feelings of remembrance for the deceased and gratitude, and because it is a suitable "perishable item" and has a deep meaning rooted in Japanese culture. I'll also introduce how to choose tea that conveys your feelings for the deceased, as well as important etiquette when giving it. Let me help you provide the recipient with a moment of peace and comfort with tea that you've chosen with the deceased in mind.
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Why choose tea as a condolence gift? The reasons and background
In the midst of the grief of losing a loved one, a condolence gift is a way to express gratitude to those who have given a condolence gift. There are several reasons why tea is chosen from among the many gifts available. Let's explore the meaning behind tea, which is imbued with Japanese culture and thoughtfulness.
Why tea is chosen as a “disappearing item”
When giving condolence money, it is common to choose items that disappear once used or eaten, with the intention of not leaving behind any misfortune. Tea is consumed in daily life and does not leave any tangible mark, making it suitable for condolence money.
Tea is a drink that anyone can easily enjoy, making it a gift that is appreciated by people of all genders and ages. Taking a moment to brew a warm cup of tea and take a break while remembering the deceased is a soothing experience.
There are many other types of "disappearable items" besides tea. Below we have summarized the main "disappearable items" chosen as condolence gifts and their characteristics.
| Type of item | Features |
|---|---|
| tea | These are consumed on a daily basis and leave no tangible mark. They provide a peaceful time to remember the deceased. |
| Coffee and tea | It is consumed on a daily basis, just like tea, and is well suited to a Western lifestyle. |
| sweets | Individually wrapped, they are easy to share and many of them have a long shelf life, making them popular with people of all ages. |
| Detergent and soap | It is highly practical and is consumed in daily life. |
| towel | They are consumables, so it's fine to have multiple copies. |
The meaning of tea as a way to remember the deceased
The time spent brewing and drinking tea leads to a time of quietly remembering the deceased. With every sip of warm tea, you recall memories of the deceased and calm your mind. Tea is imbued with the meaning of providing such a peaceful moment.
Tea has also long been believed to have the power to purify and refresh the mind and body, as evidenced by the saying "a refreshing drink." Tea is also a warm gesture of consideration, as it allows us to empathize with the feelings of the grieving family and share our feelings of mourning for the deceased.
The relationship between tea and funerals, rooted in Japanese culture
In Japan, tea has a special meaning beyond just being a drink. Because tea trees were planted on the boundaries of properties, it has the meaning of "dividing boundaries." In this sense, tea given as a condolence gift also symbolizes that the deceased has peacefully "crossed the boundary from this world to the next." Furthermore, as exemplified by the tea ceremony, tea has long been at the heart of a culture that values spirituality and provides hospitality to guests. Tea has also been used at funerals to express respect for the deceased and feelings of offering prayers.
For example, tea is often offered as an offering at Buddhist ceremonies, with the hope that the soul of the deceased will be purified and rest in peace. Choosing tea as a condolence gift is deeply rooted in these traditional Japanese customs and feelings of cherishing the deceased.
The best tea gift for funerals is “Goen Tea from Kyoto Gyokuro”
What is Kyoto Gyokuro’s Goen Tea?
Kyoto Gyokuro's Goen Tea is a tea shop that delivers tea from Kyoto with the concept of "making tea more enjoyable." We aim to make high-quality tea more accessible to everyone, with content tailored to their needs.
We value the idea that "tea connects people," and we offer a wide range of products that are perfect for everyday tea time, as well as gifts for special people and corporate novelties. We especially recommend our products that can be personalized with original designs or names !
Why not express your feelings of "Thank you" and "I look forward to working with you in the future"
through tea?
Here are some recommended gifts that convey a message!
A special tea packed with feelings. Create a one-of-a-kind tea with an original greeting tea design. Custom order
You can use it as a condolence gift as is, or you can attach it to a condolence gift, or as it is the size of a business card, you can put it in an envelope and send it.
Tips for choosing tea that will convey your feelings for the deceased
The type and quality of tea that will please the recipient
When choosing tea as a condolence gift, the type and quality of the tea are important points to consider in order to express gratitude to the deceased and your thoughtfulness to the recipient. Because tea is something you drink on a daily basis, choosing something a little higher quality will help convey your gratitude.
There are many different types of Japanese tea, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Choose one based on the recipient's preferences and their family's lifestyle.
| Types of Tea | Features | Reasons why we recommend it as a gift in return for condolence money |
|---|---|---|
| Sencha | This tea has a refreshing aroma and a good balance of astringency and flavor. | This is a representative Japanese tea that is loved by many people. It is easy to use in daily life and makes a great gift. |
| Gyokuro | It has a strong umami flavor, rich sweetness, and a unique fragrant aroma. | Known as a premium tea, it is perfect for expressing special gratitude, and even a small amount is satisfying. |
| Hojicha | It has a fragrant aroma, low caffeine content and a refreshing taste. | It pairs well with meals and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to the elderly. It is also perfect for when you want to calm your mind. |
| Brown rice tea | The fragrant aroma of brown rice and the refreshing taste of green tea are in perfect harmony. | Its unique flavor will give a fresh experience even to those who don't drink much tea. It also fits well into your everyday dining table. |
| Deep-steamed tea | The tea leaves are steamed longer than usual, resulting in a mellow flavor and a deep color. | It has little astringency and is a favorite among those who prefer rich flavors. Its smooth texture will soothe your soul. |
When it comes to quality, it's best to choose a trusted tea specialty store or a long-established brand. Individually wrapped or easy-to-enjoy tea bags are also appreciated as a thoughtful gesture that takes the recipient's time and effort into consideration.
The aroma of tea brings a sense of relaxation
The appeal of tea goes beyond its taste. The aroma that rises when brewing a cup of hot tea is special, calming the mind and bringing peace of mind. During quiet moments of remembrance for the deceased or moments of grief, the aroma of tea has the power to gently comfort the soul and soothe the soul.
In particular, the refreshing aroma of green tea and the fragrant aroma of roasted green tea are said to have a deep relaxing effect. The act of slowly brewing tea itself can calm the mind and restore a sense of calm. Choose a gift with the hope that the recipient will be enveloped in the aroma of tea and spend a relaxing time.
Messages to express gratitude
Gifts in return for condolences are an important opportunity to express gratitude to those who have paid their respects to the deceased. By including a heartfelt message in addition to the gift, your gratitude will be conveyed more deeply.
The message card or cover letter accompanying the tea should include the following information in concise, polite language:
- Gratitude for the kindness shown to the deceased during their lifetime
- Thank you for condolences and condolence money
- Report that the 49th day memorial service was completed without any problems
- Request for continued cooperation in the future
By writing words of gratitude with warm feelings for the deceased in your heart, the gift will convey your sincerity along with the tea. The most important thing is to express your gratitude in your own words without being too bound by formalities.
Etiquette and points to note regarding tea given in return for condolence money
Choosing tea as a condolence gift is a fitting way to express your feelings of remembrance and gratitude for the deceased, but there are some etiquette and things to keep in mind. It's important to understand the basics, such as the best time to give it, the market price, and how to choose the right gift wrapping paper, so as not to be rude to your loved ones.
When to send a condolence gift and the price range
A condolence gift is a way to report that the memorial service for the deceased has gone smoothly and to convey gratitude to those who attended. Be sure to understand the appropriate timing and market price, and send it with sincerity.
When to send a condolence gift
Generally, in Buddhist ceremonies, condolence gifts are sent after the 49th day memorial service. This is to report that the deceased has safely attained enlightenment and the end of mourning. In Shinto ceremonies, the standard is after the 50th day memorial service, and in Christian ceremonies, the standard is after the memorial mass or commemorative ceremony.
In recent years, the number of "same-day returns" where a condolence gift is given on the day of the funeral has increased. In the case of same-day returns, a flat-rate gift is usually given regardless of the amount of the condolence money. If you plan to send a condolence gift at a later date, it is recommended that you arrange it within one month of the end of the mourning period.
Average price for condolence gifts
The standard price for a gift in return for a condolence gift is basically half the amount of the condolence money received. For example, if you receive a condolence gift of 10,000 yen, it is common to give a gift worth about 5,000 yen.
However, if you receive a large amount of condolence money or if the condolence money is from someone who was kind to the deceased during their lifetime, you may return the amount by about one-third. Also, if the person declines the condolence money, there is no need to force yourself to return it. In that case, sending a thank-you letter at a later date will make a polite impression.
summary
Tea is chosen as a condolence gift because it is a "perishable item" that does not burden the giver, and it is imbued with the meaning of remembering the deceased and bringing a moment of peace. Tea, which has been deeply connected to Japanese culture since ancient times, is also an appropriate gift for expressing gratitude at funerals. When choosing tea, it is important to consider the type and quality of the tea that suits the recipient's preferences, and to include a message of gratitude. A cup of tea conveys the feelings of the deceased and the thoughtfulness of the bereaved family. It can be said to be a refined form of condolence gift that embodies Japanese culture, which values heartwarming connections. Please use this as a reference.
