For many of us, coffee is an indispensable part of the morning routine. But this humble brew’s history extends far beyond a simple pick-me-up. From its legendary origins in the Ethiopian highlands to its role in religious rituals and spiritual reflection, coffee has long been intertwined with moments of focus, meditation, and worship.

The Legend of Kaldi and His Goats

The story begins in Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee’s energizing effects. As the legend goes, Kaldi noticed his goats leaping with excitement after nibbling on bright red berries from a mysterious tree. Curious, he sampled the berries himself and experienced a sudden surge of vitality. Kaldi shared his discovery with local monks, who began using the berries to stay awake during late-night prayers and meditation. Thus, coffee became more than just a beverage—it became a tool for spiritual endurance.

From Ethiopia to Arabia: Coffee’s Journey

After its discovery in Ethiopia, coffee found its way to Arabia. By the 15th century, Yemeni traders began cultivating coffee, and it was here that the drink earned the name Coffea arabica. The Arabs kept the cultivation of coffee a closely guarded secret for nearly two centuries, ensuring its exclusivity. Coffeehouses in the Arabian Peninsula became centers of discussion, intellectual exchange, and spiritual gatherings.

Sufi Monks and the “Wine of Islam”

In Yemen, Sufi monks discovered coffee’s ability to sharpen focus without intoxication. They brewed the beans into a rich, dark drink, which they consumed to maintain wakefulness during overnight prayers and meditative chants. This earned coffee the nickname “the wine of Islam.”

Coffee Meets Christianity

When coffee reached Europe in the 17th century, it was met with suspicion. Some called it the “devil’s drink” due to its association with the Islamic world. However, Pope Clement VIII is said to have tasted coffee and found it delightful, suggesting it be “baptized” for Christian use. With this endorsement, coffee gained acceptance and spread rapidly across Europe, becoming a staple in monasteries to fuel long hours of prayer and study.

A Modern Brew Compared to an Ancient Cup

While coffee’s history is rich, it’s still considered a modern beverage when compared to tea. Tea, discovered around 2737 BCE according to Chinese legend, has been enjoyed for nearly 5,000 years, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and ceremonies. Coffee, by contrast, emerged much later, around the 9th century CE, gaining widespread popularity in the 15th century through Yemen and the Middle East. Though younger than tea, coffee’s rapid rise and global appeal have made it a modern icon of energy, focus, and connection.

Brazil: A Coffee Powerhouse

In 1727, Sergeant Major Francisco de Mello Palheta is credited with smuggling coffee plants from French Guiana to Brazil. This act transformed Brazil into the world’s leading coffee producer. Known for its high yield per tree and multiple annual harvests, Brazilian coffee continues to dominate global markets, showcasing the enduring legacy of this humble bean.

Modern Coffee Rituals 

While coffee’s role in spiritual rituals has wained, its use in quiet moments of reflection continues today. Whether it’s a steaming cup before morning worship or a contemplative brew during a study session, coffee often accompanies moments of thought, prayer, and connection.

Jehovah’s Remarkable Design

The story of coffee, from its discovery in Ethiopia to its role in spiritual practices worldwide, reminds us of Jehovah’s incredible provision. Coffee is a gift that sustains and energizes, enabling us to focus and reflect. As Psalm 104:15 says, Jehovah gives “wine that makes the heart rejoice, oil that makes the face shine, and bread that sustains the heart of mortal man.” Though coffee isn’t mentioned in Scripture, its energizing properties reflect the care and thoughtfulness Jehovah poured into His creation.

A Brew That Connects Us

Whether you’re sipping a cup in the quiet of dawn or sharing coffee with a friend, every moment reminds us of the unique ways Jehovah’s creation enriches our lives. Coffee’s journey—from a goat herder’s discovery to a global phenomenon—shows how something as simple as a bean can connect us across cultures and centuries, helping us stay alert and engaged during moments of prayer and reflection.

Sources

1. National Coffee Association: The Legend of Kaldi and Coffee’s Origins

2. Due South Media: The Role of Coffee in Sufi Rituals

3. Aleteia: Pope Clement VIII and Coffee’s European Acceptance

4. Watchtower Online Library: “Coffee—Beverage of Millions” (Awake! December 8, 1970)

5. Encyclopedia of World Religions: Coffee’s Historical Impact on Worship

6. New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures: Psalm 104:15