Growing up in an Eritrean household, the daily coffee ceremony was more than just a routine—it was a cherished tradition that brought our family together in a ritual of warmth, conversation, and connection. As a child, I was fascinated by the intricate process of preparing coffee, eager to learn the art from my mother.
Every time my mother was making coffee, I would eagerly offer to help, yearning to master the skills needed to create the perfect brew. However, my enthusiasm was met with the daunting task of grinding the roasted coffee beans by hand using a traditional mortar and pestle (coffee grinders were not extensively known). Despite my best efforts, achieving the desired consistency seemed like an insurmountable challenge, with each attempt leaving me more frustrated than before.

Yet, amidst the struggle and the fatigue I felt in my young arms, there was a silver lining waiting to be discovered. The reward for my efforts came in the form of the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of popcorn and sweet treats, signaling the start of a gathering filled with laughter, storytelling, and familial bonds.
As the youngest member of the household, I was bestowed with the honor of serving coffee to the adults, a responsibility I eagerly embraced. Holding the small cup, known as a ‘finjal,’ ፍንጃል in my hands, I would carefully navigate the room, ensuring that each person received their share of the aromatic brew. And while my portion was served in a smaller cup, the undissolved sugar at the bottom was a perfect treat—a reminder of the joy found in the simplest of pleasures.
Now, as an adult with a family of my own, I find myself reliving those cherished moments through the eyes of my children. Their excitement and curiosity mirror my own from years past, as they eagerly participate in every step of the coffee ceremony, from measuring and roasting the coffee beans to eagerly awaiting the final brew. And as they take their place alongside us, sipping warm milk from their own ‘finjals,’ I am reminded of the beauty of passing down traditions from one generation to the next.
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