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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. The traditional Ethiopian greeting involves shaking hands, or on the cheek several times; both hands are used when shaking the hand of highly-respected people.
2. Following the greeting, it is customary to ask about your Ethiopian counterpart's health, and to spend a few minutes in "small talk." Moving quickly into a business discussion is culturally inappropriate.
3. When invited to an Ethiopian home, expect to participate in the coffee ceremony, which is a traditional custom. Be prepared to drink at least three cups of coffee, always complimenting the flavor of the first cup. Popcorn may also be served as it is a popular snack in Ethiopia.
4. Customarily, guests may say that they are not hungry, and it is the host's job to persist and be resolute in inviting guests to eat.
5. Generally food is served on one large common plate for the dinners at the table to share. Don't be surprised if no eating utensils are offered. Use your fingers, but make that you do not put them in your mouth.
6. Ethiopian guests may say that they are not hungry but the host has to persist, and set a good example by eating with them. A polite guest will stop eating when the host stops - if you invite Ethiopian friends over for a meal, you should make sure that you eat until they are no longer hungry.
7. One should make sure to eat with the right hand.
8. In restaurants, tipping is fine but over tipping is frowned upon. Ethiopia is a developing third world country and there are some that are afraid the younger generation will run to get jobs in service industries taking advantage of Westerner's generosity thereby neglecting their education. Many believe it is better for Ethiopia as a whole for that temptation to be minimized.
9. Modest demeanor is appreciated in Ethiopia while boasting is considered rude.
10. Courtesy is another very important social value in Ethiopia.
11. In new social environments, Ethiopians often appear formal and reserved. They do not disclose themselves to strangers and limit themselves to short answers. Try not to pry and instead, understand that forging relationships are a complex and refined process in this country.
12. In conversation, it is especially important not to move quickly and indiscreetly into bad news. Bad news, such as that of a death, should be communicated gradually, while in the presence of relatives and friends who can offer support and help once the information has been conveyed.
13. Avoid discussions of Ethiopia's political relationship with Eritrea. Sports, music, culture, sightseeing and travel are better subjects for conversation.
14. Note that most Ethiopians are either Christian or Muslim, although there is also a small Jewish community, and there are a number of groups who practice animism. Within the Christian community, pork is prohibited, fasting for 165 days a year is the norm, including every Wednesday and Friday, as well as several weeks before Easter and Christmas. On these days, they do not eat or drink anything before noon; after noon they may eat grains and vegetables, but animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy products are forbidden. The clergy fast for 250 days of the pray is offered five times a day, people are expected to give to the poor regularly and to observe a 30 day fast during the month of Ramadan. During this time they do not smoke, eat, or drink between sunrise and sunset. Living so long apart from other Jews, Ethiopian Jews have developed their own distinctive customs of worship.
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