Coffee ceremony in the Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures is much more than just preparing and drinking coffee; it's a cultural experience that reflects traditions, values, and social interactions.
The coffee ceremony is a traditional and elaborate process of preparing, serving, and enjoying coffee which is a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and community bonding. Here's a detailed overview of the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony commonly shared with the Eritrean culture as well.
Preparation:
The host prepares the set up in a special area that is centered allowing guests to surround the coffee ceremony adorned with traditional decorative items such as woven grass or with mat.
A tray full of small cups and saucers, a charcoal stove, roasting pan which varies between Ethiopia and Eritrea with the one from Ethiopia that is more of a griddle while the one in Eritrea is handmade pan called “Menkeshkesh”, the clay pot called
“jebena”, mortar and pestle for grinding, water, snack to go along with the coffee are all the equipment needed.
Roasting the Coffee Beans: The ceremony begins with green coffee beans being freshly roasted in the special pan over an open flame to the liking of the host, often medium roast. The roasting process is accompanied by the rich aroma of the coffee beans, which fills the room highlighting the start of the ceremony.
Grinding the Coffee: Once the beans are roasted to perfection, they are ground using a traditional mortar and pestle or a grinder. The coffee is ground to a medium consistency, ensuring that it is neither too fine nor too coarse.
Brewing the Coffee: Water is poured into the jebena along with the ground coffee and brought to a boil over hot coals or a firewood. The coffee is brewed three times by adding more water to the grounds through which it gets lighter, with each round having its own name: "abol/Awol," "tona," and "baraka/bereka."
Pouring and Serving: The coffee is poured from the jebena into small cups from a height, creating a frothy layer of coffee foam on top. The host carefully fills each cup, ensuring that all guests receive their share.
Serving Snacks: Alongside the coffee, small traditional snacks like popcorn or roasted grain such as barley, chickpeas, fava beans or flat bread might be served to complement the coffee's flavor.
Enjoying the Coffee: Guests are encouraged to savor the coffee and engage in conversations. The ceremony is meant to be a leisurely and social experience, allowing participants to relax and connect.
Symbolism and Customs:
Hospitality and Community Bonding: The coffee ceremony is a symbol of Ethiopian and Eritrean hospitality, respect and generosity that holds deep cultural significance.The ceremony fosters a sense of community and togetherness, as participants gather to share stories, news, and laughter.The ceremony often takes a significant amount of time, allowing participants to slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect on a deeper level.