英語で茶の湯#06 干菓子 Higashi-Dry Sweet

茶の湯に登場する言葉の英語訳を考えてみるシリーズです

今回の言葉　干菓子　Higashi - Dry sweet

主菓子　omogashi - main sweet 
干菓子　higashi - dry sweet 
濃茶　koicha - thick tea
薄茶 usucha - thin tea
練り切りnerikiri - bean paste sweet
まんじゅうmanjyu - bun stuffed with bean paste
きんとん kinton - a ball of bean paste covered with bean paste flakes

茶席で役立つ英会話

”干菓子”　とは何か？

乾燥した和菓子で、和三盆を使った落雁、有平糖、麩の焼きなどなどです。
茶事においては、薄茶の前に干菓子をいただきます。

干菓子については詳しくはこちらの記事にまとめています。こちらの本を読まれると良いです。

ChatGPT による説明
干菓子の歴史も説明してください、とお願いした結果はこちら

Higashi are traditional dry sweets served in Japanese tea ceremonies, known for their refined designs and symbolic connection to the seasons. Originating from the Edo period (1603-1868), they evolved alongside Japan's culture of hospitality and tea practices. Typically crafted from ingredients like sugar and rice flour, these sweets reflect Japan's historical development of sugar refining and confectionery skills, influenced by Chinese and Portuguese techniques.

Higashi became an integral part of the tea ceremony due to their ability to complement the bitter taste of matcha, providing a harmonious contrast. Over time, their delicate artistry has come to embody Japanese aesthetics, cultural symbolism, and seasonal awareness, enhancing the sensory experience of the tea ceremony.

Chat GPT

茶道におけるお菓子の役割をやはり説明するのが良さそうです。

私流の英語訳

"Higashi refers to a type of Japanese sweet with low moisture content, typically served with usucha (thin tea).
It is usually made from sugar and rice flour.
As part of the tea ceremony, higashi offers a harmonious contrast to the bitter taste of matcha."

参照した書籍