Hospitality

What is hospitality?

Dating back to the dawn of time, hospitality was associated with welcoming travelers and offering shelter and food. The word has evolved through the centuries in many parts of the world but its core meaning has remained intact today. While the modern definition of “hospitality” involves friendliness, kindness, and offering acts of service, the historical tradition and origin of this word are fascinating to explore.

The meaning may vary by country. Some countries use the term strictly in the commercial context to describe the tourism industry. Which includes various sectors like hotels, perfumes and cosmetics, selective retail, wines and spirits, watches and leather goods, transportation and restaurants. Others refer to it in their educational or cultural context, where hospitality reflects traditions practices. These practices can be seen through their symbolic meanings and the

Taking a deeper dive into the ancient hospitality practices throught different nations. The first stop is in the ancient civilizations (3000 BCE – 500 CE).

The first roots of this definition come from Mesopotamia time where inns and taverns would provide a home for pilgrims and travelers that would sleep there for a night or two. In these lodging areas they would get a warm meal and room to rest in.

The Greek have found a word to describe this act of service as ‘Xenia’. That was associated with sacred friendship and a duty to serve god, and believed that being generous and having a welcoming treatment would show the gods the kindness they have and keep social harmony. Later there were rituals made where drinks, food and gifts were offered to the guests.

In Rome the word was ‘hospitium’ and was the same idea of welcoming the visitors but they took it to a next level where the wealthier nobles had designated quarters in their households. But had a slight difference in their meaning as this was not only for the social obligation but maintaining close allegiances and political networks. It was meant more for contractual relationships and staying in good favor.

Later there were discovered similar words in ancient china, that were deeply rooted to their philosophy of Confucianism. The values of respect, courtesy and reciprocity. The act of hospitality offered by them was considered as a reflection of ones character and social standing.

While in India, the concept of “atithi devo bhava” that translated into the guest is God and this carried a significant importance of treating guests with respect and care.

Stay tuned for more on the evolution of hospitality through different eras and how they impact our moden times.