Sorei is a bow performed by all the guests, or by guests and host together, at the divisions of a sitting. Its meaning lies in being collective rather than individual: it makes the unity of the occasion visible.
When it is done
After the guests have entered and looked at the alcove and the host's area, and again on leaving. Where there are several guests, everyone follows the principal guest's timing. It may recur at other divisions, such as before and after thick or thin tea.
What happens
The fan is placed in front of the knees, both hands go to the mats, and the head lowers. What matters is not the elegance of the movement but matching the principal guest's timing so that everyone bows together to the same depth. Lessons open and close with a collective bow. A bow that is out of step drains the tension from a sitting, so it requires reading the others present.
What it expresses
Sorei is the physical form of ichiza konryu — the idea that a gathering is built by everyone in the room rather than provided by the host to an audience.
Sources
- 総礼（デジタル大辞泉） / コトバンク
Supports: 総礼が、亭主のあいさつに対して客一同が同時に礼をすることで、点前の前後に主として行われること
About this article
Edited by the operator of Chaen (a one-person operation) / Last updated:
Tea ceremony descriptions can vary by school and source. Where interpretations differ, this glossary avoids definitive claims and focuses on broadly shared understandings. If you notice an error, please let us know viaContact. To learn about our organization, seeAbout Chaen.
Term info
- Category
- Etiquette
Related terms
- Temae (the procedures of preparation)temae
The choreographed sequences for handling utensils and preparing tea; the substance of what students practise.
- Chakai (open tea gathering)chakai
A larger, less formal event with several sittings in a day; the usual way for newcomers to attend tea.
- Fukusa sabaki (handling the silk cloth)fukusa sabaki
Unfolding, folding, and using the silk cloth to purify the tea container and scoop; the gesture where schools differ most visibly.
- Haiken (examining the utensils)haiken
The part of a gathering where guests take up and look closely at the utensils, and ask the host about them.
- Osaki ni (going before others)osaki ni
The phrase a guest says to the person beside them before taking sweets or tea ahead of them.
- Ma-ai (spacing and timing)ma-ai
The sense of distance and timing in bows and in passing objects; the practical feel of a shared rhythm.
- Saho (etiquette)saho
The prescribed forms — bows, walking, handling utensils — through which respect is shown.
- Turning the bowl (chawan o mawasu)chawan o mawasu
Turning the bowl before drinking so as not to put one's lips to its front; a gesture of respect toward the host's choice.