Let’s start in the region where coffee was born, Ethiopia. This country can be found in the northern part of Africa across from Yemen. Ethiopia has a long standing history with coffee, so it’s no surprise the coffee ceremony has developed as a great reverence for the bean the world has come to cherish more than gold.

In Ethiopia they hold what is called a coffee ceremony or a Buna Tetu, this is not only a ceremony but a very important part of the culture and everyday life. Each ceremony lasts from 2-3 hours and is performed 1-3 times per day. It is customary when guests visit and is a sign of friendliness and respect.

How is an Ethiopian Coffee ceremony performed?

It is customary that the youngest woman in the household serves the coffee. The one who serves the coffee is met with much approval and praise due to the brew she provides the attendees. In general this ceremony follows this specific format. Keep in mind the ceremony starts with raw unprocessed coffee beans and ends with a finished cup. Props Ethiopia props!

1. The room is prepared for ritual. This can entail bringing in fresh grasses and flowers as well as using an incense or burning a plant to clear out the negative energies or spirits.
2. A bed of coals are made and their traditional pot called a Jebena is placed on the hot coals.
3. The green coffee beans are then processed. This entails cleaning them and de husking them over the fire in a pan.
4. The art of roasting the beans commence. Each household or guest may desire a specific roast, so this is of much talent and skill. Think dark roast or light.
5. A mortar and pestle are used to grind the beans.
6. The roasted and ground beans are added to the Jebena that has been heating water over the coals. The coffee is then prepared.
7. The pouring of the coffee is yet another customary event. Small glasses are lined side by side and the coffee is poured in one stream from kettle to cup from about a foot above the vessels. She never once ceases the pouring from one cup to the next.
8. Different condiments are laid on the table from sugar to milk, each adds their desired ingredient.
9. A “bunna tetu” cheers is celebrated and the hostess is praised before the drinking begins.
10. 3 rounds of coffee are generally served which are named abol, tona and baraka. Each cup is said to transform the spirit, the 3^rd cup being the blessing.

Spiritual significance in coffee is a real belief in Ethiopia. It is associated with  religion and also is believed to transform the spirit through the 3 rounds given. Coffee’s spiritual properties are as complex and diverse as its plant constituents.

When are we headed to Ethiopia?