Culture of Eritrea

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The culture of Eritrea is influenced by its climate in the sahel region of Africa and historic links with Ethiopia, Sudan, Arabia and Italy. While the culture of Eritrea is most closely associated with the Tigrinya-speaking inhabitants of the highlands, there are several other ethnic and linguistic groups which have influenced the culture. Eritrea's being located on the Red Sea as well as it's occupation of part of the Ethiopian highlands are also important factors.

Contents 1 Coffee Ceremony 2 Cuisine 3 Music 4 Religion 5 See also

[edit] Coffee Ceremony

One of the most recognizable parts of Eritrean culture is the 'coffee ceremony'. Coffee (Ge'ez ቡን būn) is offered when visiting friends, during festivities, or as a daily staple of life. If coffee is politely declined then most likely tea ("shai" ሻይ shāy) will be served. The coffee is brewed by first roasting the green coffee beans over hot coals in a brazier. Once the beans are roasted each participant is given an opportunity to sample the aromatic smoke by wafting it towards them. This is followed by the grinding of the beans, traditionally in a wooden mortar and pestle.

The coffee grounds are then put into a special vessel, called a jebena, and boiled. A jebena is usually made of clay and has a spherical base, a neck and pouring spout and a handle where the neck connects with the base. When the coffee boils up through the neck it is poured in and out of another container to cool it, and then is put back into the jabena until it happens again. To pour the coffee from the jebena a filter made from horsehair or other material is placed in the spout of the jebena to prevent the grounds from escaping.

The host pours the coffee for all participants by moving the tilted jebena over a tray with small, handleless cups without stop until each cup is full. Some of the coffee will inevitably miss the cup but this is done to prevent the coffee grounds from contaminating the brew. One extra cup is poured each time. The grounds are brewed three times: the first round of coffee is called awel, the second kale'i and the third bereka ('to be blessed'). The coffee ceremony may also include burning of various traditional incense such as frankincense or gum arabic.

[edit] Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Eritrea

Typically, Eritrean cuisine consists of various stews (tsebhi) made from vegetables and meat, and served atop a large, flat sourdough bread called injera or tayta. Many vegetarian dishes are available, since a majority of the population observe fasting at some time during the year. Eating is accomplished without utensils by tearing a piece of injera (strictly using the right hand), then scooping some stew, vegetables or salad with the bread.

On visiting an Eritrean household, it is polite to decline at least three times if asked to dine. Usually the host will say "bezay kelalem", after which the guest may agree to dine. This process ensures that one does not seem too eager to eat at another's household.

[edit] Music

Main article: Music of Eritrea

[edit] Religion

Main articles: Roman Catholicism in Eritrea, Islam in Eritrea, and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church

[edit] See also

• Cuisine of Eritrea
• Literature of Eritrea