How does one nation differ from another? Its unique traditions and customs, which have developed over the centuries and are carefully passed down from generation to generation. They instruct a person on how to behave in different situations. For example, the family and household way of life is imbued with customs - how to talk with your wife and children, how to behave on the street when meeting with elderly people, how to meet guests.
Hospitality is a tradition
The Russian people have always been distinguished by their hospitality and cordiality. The attitude to the guest in Russia was special. Guests, even casual ones, were surrounded with honor and respect. It was believed that the traveler who looked into the house saw a lot on his way, knows a lot, he has a lot to learn. And if the guest likes the warm welcome, then from his words the good fame of the owner of the house and of Russia will spread throughout the world.
The main task of the owner was considered to be as good as possible to feed the dear guest, the best dishes were presented to him. The sayings have survived to this day: “What is in the oven, everything is on the table with swords”, “Though not rich, but glad to guests”, “Do not regret the guest, pour it thicker”.
If it was known in advance about the upcoming meeting of the guests, then they began to prepare several days in advance. There was a custom to meet dear guests on the doorstep with bread and salt. Usually, the bread, necessarily laid on a clean towel (towel), was brought to the guests by the hostess of the house or the woman, with whose hands the loaf was baked. At the same time, the towel marked the road that the guest made. In addition, it symbolized God's blessing. Bread and salt were symbols of prosperity and well-being, and salt was also attributed to the properties of "amulet". To meet a guest with “bread and salt” meant invoking God's mercy on him and adding your wishes for goodness and peace. However, guests could also bring bread and salt to the house, expressing special respect for the owner and wishing him prosperity and prosperity.
"Every traveler was kind of sacred for the Slavs: they greeted him with affection, treated him with joy, saw him off with reverence …"
N. M. Karamzin
Traditional Russian meal
If guests were received in the house, the meal began and proceeded according to a certain scenario. The table, which was literally bursting with various dishes, was located in the "red corner" next to fixed benches attached to the wall. There was a belief that those sitting on these benches enjoyed the special patronage of saints.
According to tradition, at the beginning of the meal, the hostess of the house appeared, dressed in her best attire. She greeted the guests with an earthly bow. The guests bowed in response and, at the invitation of the owner, came to kiss her. According to the ingrained custom, each guest was presented with a glass of vodka. After the "kissing ceremony" the hostess went to a special women's table, which served as a signal to start the meal. The host cut off a slice of bread for each guest and sprinkled it with salt.
The attitude towards bread was especially reverent, it was considered the basis of well-being, it was associated in the minds of the people with long and hard work. Salt at that time was a very expensive product that was used only on special occasions. Even in the royal house, the salt shakers were located closer to the king himself and the most important guests. In addition, it was believed that salt drives away evil spirits. Therefore, to present bread and salt meant to share with the guest the most dear, to express their respect and at the same time wish well-being and kindness.
It is impossible to imagine a Russian table without bread and salt: "Without salt, without bread, a thin conversation", "Bread on the table, and the table is a throne", spruce paradise "," Without bread - death, without salt laughter."
Refusing to share "bread and salt" with the owners of the house, one could inflict indelible insult on them. During the meal, it was customary to vigorously regale the guests. And if the guests ate little, the hosts would persuade them to try this or that dish, kneeling down.
And today we meet with "bread and salt"
Our people are still open, hospitable and welcoming. And the tradition of meeting dear guests not only with a welcoming word, but also with bread and salt has been preserved to this day. For example, on the wedding day, the groom's mother presents the young couple with a wedding loaf - a symbol of pure thoughts and good intentions. This means that the parents accept a young wife into the family, with whom they will now have to live side by side and share all the troubles and joys.
Of course, in its pure form, the ceremony is more often used at official meetings or on festive, solemn moments. For example, residents of the city greet their dear guests with a festive loaf.
