Coffee talk

Posted by: Karin Hoffman, Communications

Considered a sign of respect and friendship, coffee ceremonies are an integral part of the social and cultural life for Ethiopians. On Sunday, April 5, the Burke is honored to host an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and we invite you to come and take part in this special event.

The ceremony starts by washing and roasting the beans in a pan over a charcoal stove. As the beans begin to roast the aromatic oils are brought to the surface, revealing the distinctive aroma of the coffee beans. Incense, which are burned throughout the ceremony, combine with the coffee to create a unique experience for the senses. Using a mortar and pestle the beans are then ground and gently stirred into hot water contained in a clay coffee pot called a jebena. After allowing the coffee to steep it is poured from a distance of 1 foot above the cups (a talent that takes years of experience to cultivate) and served, starting with the eldest participant. Three cups of coffee are served to each person. The third cup is considered to bestow a blessing, and it is therefore considered impolite to dismiss yourself from the ceremony prior to the third cup.

The Coffee exhibit has a great film showing an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, so if you can’t make it to the Burke this Sunday, make sure to check out the exhibit.