Traditions
Much of the culture is carried in everyday manners: how guests are welcomed, how elders are greeted, and how coffee is shared.
The coffee ceremonyቡን
Green coffee beans are washed and roasted over a small stove, then ground and brewed in a clay pot called a jebena (ጀበና). Incense often burns nearby. Coffee is served in small cups in three rounds — the first (ኣወል), the second (ካልኣይ) and the blessing (በረኸት) — and it is a time to sit, talk and welcome guests.
Greeting elders
Children are taught to greet elders first, to stand when an older person comes in, and to use respectful forms of address. Greetings are warm and unhurried, and often ask after the whole family.
Eating together
A meal is usually shared from one large plate, eaten with the right hand. Offering someone a mouthful from your own hand is a sign of affection and respect.
Words to know
- ቡንbuncoffeeSynthetic voice
- ጽዋእtswaecupSynthetic voice
- ዕጣንetanincenseSynthetic voice
- ሽማግለshmagleelderSynthetic voice
- በረኸትberekhetblessingSynthetic voice
- ክብረትkbretrespectSynthetic voice