Perfect Blasphemy!

Brewing Controversy: How Coffee Sparked Fierce Debate in the 16th-Century https://t.co/bHkF081VU9 #coffee

— Medievalists.net (@Medievalists) November 2, 2025

From the article:

Sultan Qānṣūh al-Ghūrī issued a decree declaring:

As for coffee, we have been informed that certain people drink it in a manner similar to wine, mixing intoxicants into it, singing to it with instruments, dancing, and swaying. It is well known that even the water of Zamzam, if consumed in such a manner, would be forbidden. Therefore, its consumption and its circulation in the markets must be prevented.

Violators were punished with “around ten lashes or more,” and some were paraded through the market as a warning.

I've been known to grumble as I make my morning brew, but singing to it?  I don't recall ever doing that.  Regardless, ten lashes sure would wake me up.

And since the Adamses (and Loyalists) are still on my mind, I feel compelled to post a little reminder about the American relationship to coffee, so here's John again on July 6, 1774:

Our J. [Justice] H. [ Hutchinson] is eternally giving his Political Hints...He is perpetually flinging about the Fasts, and ironically talking about getting Home to the Fast. A Gentleman told me, that he had heard him say frequently, that the Fast was perfect Blasphemy. -- "Why dont they pay for the Tea? Refuse to pay for the Tea! and go to fasting and praying for Direction! perfect Blasphemy!"

This is the Moderation, Candor, Impartiality, Prudence, Patience, Forbearance, and Condescention of our J[ustic]e.

JH being Foster Hutchinson, member of the Massachusetts Superior Court of Judicature, brother of Thomas, the colony's governor, and a Tory.  Never knew fling could mean "to utter abusive language; to sneer."

Anyway, that brings us to this:

I believe I forgot to tell you one Anecdote: When I first came to this House it was late in the Afternoon, and I had ridden 35 miles at least. "Madam" said I to Mrs. Huston, "is it lawfull for a weary Traveller to refresh himself with a Dish of Tea provided it has been honestly smuggled, or paid no Duties?"

"No sir, said she, we have renounced all Tea in this Place. I cant make Tea, but He make you Coffee." Accordingly I have drank Coffee every Afternoon since, and have borne it very well. Tea must be universally renounced. I must be weaned, and the sooner, the better.

So unto this day do we Americans eschew that bainfull weed and set our minds free, baby.

<exits, singing blasphemously>