Coffee Traditions

Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies and considered a ceremonial act of generosity. In spite of the rapid development of recent technologies, coffee still retains its original rituals and traditions. In many social events like marriage proposals, tribal reconciliations, coffee plays an important role. The guest refuses to drink the coffee until his request is fulfilled by the host. Normally, the guest leaves the cup in front of him and waits, till the host asks him about his demand. If they agreed to give him what he wants, he will drink the coffee. Coffee traditions and related rituals help in solving many social problems and tribal disputes. Sometimes, accepting to drink the cup of coffee means that opposing sides agree to reconcile. Sometimes it means agreement in marriage proposals. It is a symbol of generosity. Many poems and proverbs were said in praising coffee. Methods of serving coffee especially in Bedouin, rural areas and villages have been inherited through generations where the host tastes the coffee before guests. Serving coffee is linked to some special skills like making light sound that results from the knocking the pot with the cup.
This is deliberately done to attract the attention of the guest to prepare himself for drinking. During sad occasions this sound should not be made. The guest must take the cup with his right hand and after drinking, he can shake the cup if he does not want to drink any more. The guest says the word “Dayim” and this means that he wishes the sustainability of joyful occasions. During funerals the guest cannot say the word “Dayim”. Instead, he asks mercy for the dead. Normally the Bedouins offer everything in great quantities except coffee. Their philosophy in this issue is that a small amount of coffee should be sufficient for all. Coffee is for enjoyment and not for being full. Serving big amount of coffee means that the host is angry.

preparing coffee.