In culture In Japan, ama-cha (), meaning sweet tea, is another herbal tea made from Hydrangea serrata, whose leaves contain a substance that develops a sweet taste (phyllodulcin). For the fullest taste, fresh leaves are crumpled, steamed, and dried, yielding dark brown tea leaves. Ama-cha is mainly used for kan-butsu-e (the Buddha bathing ceremony) on April 8 every year—the day thought to be Buddha's birthday in Japan. During the ceremony, ama-cha is poured over a statue of Buddha and served to people in attendance. A legend has it that on the day Buddha was born, nine dragons poured Amrita over him; ama-cha is substituted for Amrita in Japan.
In culture In Japan ama-cha () meaning sweet tea is another herbal tea made from Hydrangea serrata whose leaves contain a substance that develops a sweet taste (phyllodulcin) For the fullest taste fresh leaves are crumpled steamed and dried yielding dark brown tea leaves Ama-cha is mainly used for kan-butsu-e (the Buddha bathing ceremony) on April 8 every year—the day thought to be Buddha's birthday in Japan During the ceremony ama-cha is poured over a statue of Buddha and served to people in attendance A legend has it that on the day Buddha was born nine dragons poured Amrita over him; ama-cha is substituted for Amrita in Japan