Cebar yerba mate – a ritual of friendship and love
Yerba mate is more than just a drink – it is a true tradition that brings people together! The ritual of drinking yerba mate has a long history, and in many South American countries, it remains an inseparable part of social life. If you want to learn what cebar is and why yerba mate is called the “drink of friendship,” we invite you to read on!
Summary:
- What is cebar? The yerba mate ritual that unites people!
- The yerba mate ceremony. How does the ritual unfold?
- Drinking yerba mate in a group – why is it worth trying?
What is cebar? The yerba mate ritual that unites people!
Cebar is the ritual of sharing yerba mate – a tradition that has played an important social role in South American culture for centuries. It is more than just preparing and consuming an infusion – it is a symbol of friendship, community, and hospitality. In countries like Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, yerba mate is not just a popular energising drink – it is a way to build relationships and celebrate moments spent together. Drinking yerba mate in company is an almost daily habit for Latin Americans, bringing people together in homes, parks, offices, and on the streets.
The word cebar comes from Spanish and means “to prepare” or “to feed” – in the context of yerba mate, it refers to the process of brewing and sharing the infusion within a group. The person responsible for this ritual is the cebador – the “host” of the gathering, who ensures that each participant enjoys the perfect taste and aroma of the drink. However, drinking yerba mate in a group follows certain rules – one should not stir the infusion, sweeten it, or adjust it after the cebador has prepared it, as this could be seen as a sign of disrespect towards their role and expertise.
The tradition of sharing yerba mate dates back to the indigenous Guaraní tribes, who were the first to discover the extraordinary properties of the yerba mate plant and made it part of their daily lives. The Guaraní people found that yerba mate had stimulating effects, helped with focus, and promoted relaxation. They drank the infusion before journeys and hunts, gathering as a community around a fire. They prepared it in a single gourd, which was passed from hand to hand as a way to celebrate unity and closeness. Over time, this ritual spread to other societies – Spanish colonisers adopted the habit of drinking yerba mate, and today, the infusion is an inseparable part of life in many South American countries.
What makes the cebar yerba mate ritual so special? It is an inclusive tradition – it does not matter whether the gathering takes place at home, outdoors, or at work. All that is needed for shared drinking of yerba mate is a single mate cup, a bombilla, and good company. Each exchange of the mate gourd is not just a fresh sip of the infusion but also an expression of trust, closeness, and openness towards others. This is precisely why yerba mate is known as the “drink of friendship” – because it brings people together, regardless of the circumstances!
The yerba mate ceremony. How does the ritual unfold?
The ritual of drinking yerba mate in a group follows specific traditions that have been observed for generations in South American countries. It is not just about enjoying yerba mate, but also a way of strengthening bonds and deepening relationships. The communal drinking of yerba mate – cebar – follows a well-defined sequence in which the previously mentioned cebador plays a crucial role. The cebador is responsible for preparing the infusion and ensuring that every participant enjoys the full depth of flavour. Beyond guaranteeing the quality of the drink, the cebador also regulates the rhythm of the ritual, deciding when to pour more water over the mate tea or when to conclude the ceremony.
How does the cebar yerba mate ritual unfold? Step by step:
- Preparing the mate cup – cebador fills the vessel with yerba mate, usually up to about three-quarters of its capacity. They then arrange the dried leaves into a characteristic mound before inserting the bombilla (straw) in such a way that it remains steady.
- The first infusion – cebador carefully pours the first round of water (at 70–80°C) into the mate gourd.
- The first portion goes to the cebador – tradition dictates that cebador takes the first sip. This gesture signifies respect for the guests, as the cebador tastes the drink first to ensure its quality.
- Serving yerba mate to the participants – after finishing the first portion, cebador refills the gourd and hands it to the first person on their right. Each participant drinks the infusion in full before handing the empty mate cup back to the cebador, who then refills it and passes it to the next person.
- Refilling yerba mate multiple times – the ritual continues until yerba mate loses its flavour and aroma, which typically takes several rounds with good-quality mate.
- Concluding the ritual – if someone no longer wishes to participate, they usually inform the cebador by politely saying gracias (Spanish for “thank you”) while returning the vessel.
📌 Important rules of the cebar yerba mate ritual:
- ✅ Do not stir the bombilla! Stirring the drink while participating in a yerba mate circle is considered bad etiquette. Once the bombilla is placed in the mate cup, it should not be moved as it disrupts the structure of the dried leaves and can affect the taste.
- ✅ Do not say “thank you” too soon! In yerba mate culture, saying gracias indicates that you are finished. If you would like to continue drinking, simply return the gourd to the cebador without saying anything.
- ✅ Don't refuse mate without reason. There is a social dimension to drinking yerba mate together. If you refuse to participate in the ritual for no apparent reason, it may be perceived as disrespectful or a sign of distance.
- ✅ Drink to the end. Each person who gets a mate cup should drink the whole portion before handing the vessel to the cebador. This is the ritual – we don't sip slowly, we drink it all at once.
Cebar yerba mate ritual is more than simply drinking the brew – it is a shared experience that brings people together and fosters relationships. Following the above rules is not only a sign of respect for tradition, but also a way to enjoy the best taste of mate tea in a friendly atmosphere!
Drinking yerba mate in a group – why is it worth trying?
Sharing yerba mate is not just a tradition but also a unique way to spend time with others. Although in Europe yerba mate is often consumed individually, it is worth exploring the South American custom and discovering how much joy this ritual can bring. The tradition of drinking yerba mate together helps build relationships, encourages openness and conversation, and teaches mindfulness and sharing with others. It is a true ritual in which every participant becomes part of a community, even if only for a few moments.
What makes yerba mate such a powerful way to bring people together? Firstly, it requires patience and engagement – waiting for your turn promotes a calm atmosphere and allows you to focus on the conversations around you. Secondly, passing the mate gourd from hand to hand creates a sense of community and closeness. It is a moment when you can disconnect from daily responsibilities, relax, and spend valuable time with family, friends, or colleagues.
In South America, the cebar yerba mate ritual is an inseparable part of life – yerba mate is enjoyed not only at home but also in parks, on beaches, or during work breaks. Sharing mate does not require a special occasion – all you need is a thermos with warm water, a mate cup, and a bombilla to start sharing this drink with loved ones at any time of the day. It can also be a great idea for us, Europeans – instead of another cup of coffee or a solitary tea, invite friends for a warming and energising yerba mate session!
Speaking of closeness – Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to try this tradition with a loved one! Yerba mate is a symbol of friendship, but it also represents trust and warmth. Spending time together over a fragrant infusion can become a beautiful ritual that allows you to relax and strengthen your bond. If you are looking for an original way to celebrate your relationship, reach for yerba mate and share it with someone special.
Still searching for your favourite yerba mate blend? Check out our selection of yerba mate and choose the perfect mix for your mate tea sessions! Whether you prefer classic, strong varieties or milder flavours with added ingredients – we have something for you. Don’t forget about the essential accessories for preparing yerba mate – mate cup and bombilla. You can find everything you need in our store. Click and discover the cebar ritual in the best style!
Sources of information:
- Wikipedia: Mate, History of yerba mate, Guaraní people.
- A. Gawron-Gzella, J. Chanaj-Kaczmarek, J. Cielecka-Piontek, Yerba Mate – A Long but Current History, Nutrients, 2021.
- K. Sanders, Next time you're in Argentina, try a cup of mate, NBC News, 2008.
- J.F. Smith, More Than a Drink: Yerba Mate: Argentina’s Cultural Rite, Los Angeles Times, 1988.
