Bunna is how you say "Coffee" in Amharic which is the main language of Ethiopia. Amharic is a Semitic language just like Hebrew and Arabic but the script is totally different. The Bunna Ceremony is a tradition that highlights Ethiopian hospitality. To begin the bunna ceremony, the hostess spreads green branches and flowers around the serving area. She lights one fire to perfume the air with incense and another to roast the coffee beans.Next, she grinds the roasted beans to a powder, adds it to a coffeepot (Jebena), and sets the pot over burning coals. Meanwhile, she arranges several tiny cups (sini) on a platter. When the coffee is ready, she fills each cup and passes it to a guest. This cup, from the first brewing, is the strongest. The second and third cups that are brewed are weaker. It is polite for a guest to stay for all three cups. For people who are always in a hurry, it is a reminder to slow down and take time to enjoy good friends. I love painting about little known subjects. It makes me feel that I am using my art as a tool to educate.
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