Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Set For Lacey Library

LACEY, NJ — May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Ocean County Library is celebrating by hosting authentic Japanese tea ceremonies.

Head to the Lacey Branch on May 6 at 2 p.m. to take part in this time-honored ritual.

Dr. Drew Hanson, owner of Boukakuan Japanese Tea House and Garden, Columbus, New Jersey, and Brandon Forsht will illustrate the ritual's evolution through 450 years. The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia notes that Dr. Hanson is a licensed teacher of the art, and has studied since 1995.

At the end of the event, four audience members will be invited to sit as guests in the ceremony and take part in bowls of matcha, the Japanese powdered green tea.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony began as a symbol of elegance, developed into a spiritually rejuvenating rite, and is a core component in the nation's culture.

Register at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events for this free program. For more information, visit or call any participating branch, or call (732) 349-6200.