Ethiopians are known across the globe for their remarkable hospitality and appreciate entertaining visitors in their homes.
Ethiopians like to smile, and project happiness and welcoming spirit.
A visitor will always be welcomed with a big smile by the host followed by a cup of coffee.
It is viewed as impolite to decline the offer.
Foreigners are normally referred to as farenji meaning a foreigner and refer to themselves as habesha meaning Ethiopian. Most people here are always willing to help out in case one needs help.
Greetings
Greetings hold an important place in the Ethiopian culture consisting of handshakes as shoulders touch each other followed by a direct eye-contact.
It is common to see women who have a close relationship kissing each other on the cheeks three times or even more.
In the presence of elders, it is customary that they be greeted first by bowing.
Religion
People here value their religious beliefs and practices in accordance with the Orthodox Christian teachings and Islamic culture taking the lead with the largest population.
Religion in Ethiopia has a greater influence on its people with half the population adhering to Ethiopian Orthodox church teachings.
The other half consists of Muslims and those who follow Judaism forms.
Wednesdays and Fridays are considered as fasting days by Ethiopian Orthodox followers. The fasting includes no touch on animal and dairy products such as milk, meat and eggs.
Expect to see most people wearing small crosses around their necks that act as religious symbols.
Friday at noon, most Muslims go to Friday prayer in almost all towns in the country.
