Legends And Myths About The Origin of Coffee

Anyone who tries to trace the origins of coffee will probably find two very famous legend. That is the story of "Kaldi and the Dancing Goats" and the story of "Ali ibn Umar al Shadhili". Both of these legends recounted the early humans process the coffee fruit.

Kaldi and the Dancing Goats

This story is taken from the legend that developed in Ethiopia. When was there an owner of goats named Kaldi. On one day the Kaldi found his goats hyperactivity, jumping to and fro like dancing. After the investigation was goats has been eating red berries from a tree that has not been recognized. With curiosity the Kaldi tried the fruit. After eating he found himself behaving like a goat.

 (Illustration : Wiliam H. Ukers)

Kaldi reported this incident to a monk. The monk interested in the story Aldi and he tried the fruit. The effect of the monk felt like getting extra power, he can awake at night without being sleepy to pray. Because the fruit flavor is slightly bitter, Other monks started roasting and brewing process with the fruit. Since that time the coffee is known to be a drink that can provide extra strength and nodded off.

Ali ibn Umar al Shadhili

It is said that in the city of Mocha, yemen, live a physician devout once Sufism, his name is Ali ibn Umar al Shadhili. Umar is famous as a reliable physician which able to cure the disease by combining medical treatment and prayer. However action Umar disliked by the local authorities. With a variety of intrigue Umar rumored league with the devil to cure his patients. Finally, the urban community Mocha expel Umar out of the city.

Having driven out of the city, Umar took refuge in a cave he found on the way. He began to starve and found the red berries. Umar eat the fruit to relieve hunger. Because it tastes bitter, he began to cultivate the fruit by way of roasting and boiling.

But the coffee beans that have been processed by Umar still can not be eaten.He could only drink the water. Unexpectedly water he drank provide extra strength. Long story short, steeping water which made Umar became famous. Many people who asked him to Umar. Until this phenomenon is heard by the city authorities. Umar then called back to stay in the city. Panacea in the form of black liquor is called by the name Mocha.

See Also : The Beginning of Coffee Drinking Culture

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