Show the Way of Traditional Tea

Tea, and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, will be featured during a special class at Descanso Gardens. The class will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

Rieko McMillan will discuss and demonstrate the Japanese tea ceremony during this introduction to the Way of Tea--an Art of Living. Participants will have the opportunity to sample the tea and sweets that are part of Chaji tradition. The intimate class will be limited to 15 students.

Chaji, a full tea gathering in the Urasenke chado tradition, incorporates rules to capture the spirit of the season, the occasion, the time and place. Principles underlying the tea ceremony are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Rieko McMillan is chief administrator of the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association, and an instructor in the Way of Tea.

This class coincides with Descanso Gardens' annual Camellia Festival, appropriate because true teas worldwide are made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plants.

Fee: $35 ($30 members). Early reservations are recommended. Because of space limitations, this class is limited to 15 students, and walk-in space may not be available. To register, call (818) 949-7980.

Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is free. Admission fees are $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; $2 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 5 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. For information call 949-4200 or visit www.DescansoGardens.org.20060210itza4snc(LA)TEA TIME -- Rieko McMillan is chief administrator of the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association, and an instructor in the Way of Tea.