Write@Home
Winter 2015

Celebration

African woman making traditional coffee

Coffee ceremony in Ethiopia is much respected traditional and cultural practice to celebrate holiday, and to show respect for the guest and encourage socialising.

First, coffee ceremony is a common practice during holidays for example, in Ethiopia on a holiday one person is selected to prepare the coffee, who does so by wearing traditional clothes called “Habeshas kames”. During the ceremony, family members, neighbors, and friends gather, sit in a circle and engage in conversations, laughter and storytelling while enjoying the aroma of the brewing coffee.

Secondly, we prepare coffee ceremony for special guests such as in laws or elders in the family, by preparing a lavish meal with coffee, because the in laws and elderly are given a lor of respect in Ethiopia. These gatherings are not only about drinking coffee but also about showing honor, building trust, and strengthening family and community relationships.

Finaly, from social aspect the coffee ceremony plays a vital role in maintaining community bonds. It is a daily or weakly tradition in many households, especially in rural areas, where people use it as a time to share news, resolve conflicts, and teach values to younger generation. Women often lead the ceremony, showing their central role in preserving cultural traditions and hospitality. The coffee ceremony is also used to welcome visitors, which reflects the Ethiopian value of warm hospitality.