A Series of posts exploring the Story, Significance and Surprising Facts about Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
The Significance
in the place where there’s 13, yes 13 months of sunshine… it can be said that What starts and ends the day is Coffee (ቡና).
In the local language, the word for coffee is “bunn” or “buna”. The origin of coffee is Kaffa. So coffee was sometimes referred to as “Kaffa bunn,” or coffee from Kaffa. For this reason, some believe that the term “coffee bean” is an anglicization of “Kaffa bunn”. Given that coffee beans are actually berries, this theory makes even more sense.
In parts of Ethiopia, the woman of the house (or a younger woman in the household) performs or participates in the two- to three-hour coffee ceremony three times each day (once in the morning, once at noon and once in the evening). It is also customary for women to perform the ceremony when welcoming visitors into the home and in times of celebration.
A coffee ceremony (Amharic: ቡና ማፍላት, romanized: bunna maflat, lit.: “to brew coffee”) is a ritualized form of making and drinking coffee. The coffee ceremony was first practiced in Ethiopia and Eritrea. There is a routine of serving coffee on a daily basis, mainly for the purpose of getting together with relatives, neighbors, or other visitors. If coffee is politely declined, then tea (Chai) will most likely be served. Loose grass is spread on the floor where the coffee ceremony is held, often decorated with small yellow flowers. Composite flowers are sometimes used, especially around the celebration of Meskel.
In parts of Ethiopia, the woman of the house (or a younger woman in the household) performs or participates in the two- to three-hour coffee ceremony three times each day (once in the morning, once at noon and once in the evening). It is also customary for women to perform the ceremony when welcoming visitors into the home and in times of celebration.
The coffee ceremony is considered to be the most important social occasion in many villages, and it is a sign of respect and friendship to be invited to a coffee ceremony. Guests at a ceremony may discuss topics such as politics, community, and gossip. There is also abundant praise for the ceremony’s performer and the brews she produces.
Regardless of the time of day, occasion (or lack thereof) and guests invited, the ceremony usually follows a distinct format, with some variations.
coffee is consumed with all 5 senses each equipment/Gear plays its role and Coffee is so loved that it has its own utensils from the pan to the kettle.
Next We will explore the names and purposes of the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony …Stay Tuned
