Tej, the Way of Life
During a diplomatics mission, Makeda, the queen of the land of Saba , known today as the Queen of Sheba, visited King Solomon to toast in a festival occasion in the land of Makeda’s tej.
Menelik I, first emperor of Ethiopia, was born. The Queen of Sheba reigned in the 10th century BC over an empire that extended into Yemen and northern Ethiopia with Axum as its capital. The tradition and privilege of making and drinking tej was restricted for official diplomats of rank, position, and stature. The production and consumption of tej by non-aristocrats was only possible if the sovereign had allowed it. They also had special servants for this tasks called tej azai. Tej, a gift from the Ethiopian culture forelegant festivities and celebrations.