Coffee and Religion

The Intricate Connection Between Coffee and Religion

Coffee, a beverage that has become an integral part of daily life for many around the world, holds a powerful allure not only in terms of taste but also in cultural and religious aspects. In this article, we will delve into various examples of the relationship between coffee and belief systems or religions practiced by communities across the globe.

Coffee Rituals in Religious Beliefs

1. Islam and Coffee

In the world of Islam, coffee holds a special place. This beverage is known as "qahwah" and was introduced in the Middle East in the 15th century. While the consumption of coffee is not regulated by religious teachings, in some predominantly Muslim countries, such as Yemen, there are specific rituals surrounding the brewing and consumption of coffee.

2. Christianity and Coffee Traditions

In Christianity, coffee also has its own footprint. In Ethiopia, the country where coffee was first discovered, there exists an intriguing legend that associates coffee with Christian beliefs. It is said that a monk discovered the invigorating effects of coffee, which helped him stay awake during worship.

3. Buddha and the Serenity of Coffee

Although there are no specific teachings regarding the consumption of coffee in Buddhism, many practitioners find that coffee can help them stay awake and focused during meditation. Coffee is considered a means to achieve inner peace.

Symbolism of Coffee in Various Belief Systems

1. Energy and Strength

Many beliefs link coffee with energy and strength. Roasted and brewed coffee beans contain substances that provide physical and mental stimulation. This is reflected in many teachings that emphasize the importance of perseverance and spirit.

2. Process and Transformation

The process from raw coffee beans to the enjoyable beverage is a powerful metaphor for the concept of transformation in many belief systems. It can be interpreted as a journey from darkness to enlightenment or spiritual growth.

Coffee as a Medium for Spiritual Communication

1. Meetings and Discussions

In many communities, the ritual of drinking coffee is a way to open doors of communication between individuals. Discussions accompanied by the aroma of coffee are often considered more open and intimate, allowing for deeper exchanges of ideas and perspectives.

2. Meditation and Reflection

Some spiritual practitioners use drinking coffee as part of their ritual for meditation or personal reflection. Caffeine can aid in focusing the mind, enabling individuals to reach higher levels of consciousness.

Coffee references

To further enrich the readers' understanding of the connection between coffee and religion or belief systems worldwide, consider comparing with the following references from books and scientific journals:

• Buchowski, M. S., & Thomas, T. R. (1991). Energy expenditure, habitual physical activity, and metabolic adaptation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 53(4), 821-825.
• Lelo, A., Birkett, D. J., Robson, R. A., & Miners, J. O. (1986). Comparative pharmacokinetics of caffeine and its primary demethylated metabolites paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline in man. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 22(2), 177-182.
• Weinberg, B. A., & Bealer, B. K. (2001). The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World's Most Popular Drug. Routledge.
• Smith, A. P., Kendrick, A. M., & Maben, A. L. (1992). Effects of breakfast and caffeine on performance and mood in the late morning and after lunch. Neuropsychobiology, 26(4), 198-204.
• Nawrot, P., Jordan, S., Eastwood, J., Rotstein, J., Hugenholtz, A., & Feeley, M. (2003). Effects of caffeine on human health. Food Additives and Contaminants, 20(1), 1-30.
• Murray, M. T., & Pizzorno, J. E. (2012). The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Atria Books.
• Beigi, A. M., Tabrizi, R., Saneei, P., Hoseinifar, H., Kelishadi, R., & Esmaillzadeh, A. (2017). The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(16), 3357-3366.
• Nawrot, P., Jordan, S., Eastwood, J., Rotstein, J., Hugenholtz, A., Marzorati, M., & Béria, C. (2003). Effects of caffeine on human health. Food Additives and Contaminants, 20(1), 1-30.

Coffee that Can Spell Trouble in Indonesia

I've come across an example of the relationship between coffee and the belief system or religion of the people in Indonesia, precisely in Putussibau City, Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan Province (Borneo Island). This city is located almost 600 km away from Pontianak. 

In Putussibau and its surrounding areas, one should never refuse an offered cup of coffee by the locals. Refusal is believed to bring about misfortune or even worse, calamity! They call such accidents caused by rejecting the offered coffee 'Kemponan'. 

The people of Kapuas Hulu still hold the belief that anyone who has already ordered coffee or has been offered coffee by the host, but refuses or forgets to take even a sip, may experience a disaster. This can take various forms, such as traffic accidents or being bitten by venomous creatures, among others. 

Therefore, one should never decline to take a sip of coffee if it's offered by the host. This belief was confirmed by a representative from the Tourism Department of Kapuas Hulu, Bertonius. He explained that the custom of not refusing offered food or drink is called 'kempunan'. 

In essence, this custom signifies the guest's respect for the host's hospitality. As for the rule of holding the receptacle to absolve the obligation, it's referred to as 'melepus'. Berto explained that 'melepus' means the guest is considered to have accepted the offering. 

This custom has been passed down through generations since the ancestors of Kapuas Hulu's residents. Berto mentioned that if someone is afflicted by 'kempunan', they may encounter misfortunes, ranging from minor accidents to more severe incidents. 

"Especially for coffee, the risks are highest if it's not consumed or at least 'melepus'. Because here, coffee is considered somewhat sacred. It's usually served at funerals," Berto explained. Berto added that the rule of 'kempunan' doesn't apply if someone is unaware of the custom. For instance, a person who is visiting Kapuas Hulu for the first time and doesn't accept the offering, the locals believe that person won't be struck by misfortune. 

"If someone doesn't know, it's better not to tell them. Because if they do know, they might be affected by it," Berto emphasized. This journey to Kapuas Hulu was part of the collaboration between detikcom and Bank BRI in their boundary-marking project. Detikcom explored the

Putussibau and Badau areas, which are border regions of Indonesia.

This unique belief sheds light on the profound cultural significance of coffee in Kapuas Hulu. It serves as a testament to the deeply rooted traditions and customs that have been preserved and passed down through generations.