The tradition of greeting dear guests with bread and salt has existed in Russia for a long time. In part, it persists to this day. To this day, it is customary to greet newlyweds with bread and salt. On especially solemn occasions, delegations arriving from other cities and countries are greeted with bread and salt. Thanks to this wonderful tradition, the glory of Russian "hospitality" - the usual ability to adequately receive guests, has spread.
Symbols of bread and salt
In ancient Russia, bread was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Particular importance was attached to salt: it was considered a talisman against evil spirits. Meeting the guest with bread and salt was the beginning of a long and heartfelt friendship. If the guest for some reason refused to accept "bread and salt", this was considered a terrible insult to the hosts.
During the meal, instead of the modern wish “Bon appetit!”, The expression “Bread and salt!” Sounded. It was believed that this helps to drive away evil spirits. They took bread and salt with them on the road as a talisman. Even kings could send bread and salt from their tables to their subjects as a sign of the highest mercy.
In those distant times, bread and salt were consumed in food much more than now. Perhaps that is why the saying arose: in order to get to know a person better, you need to eat a pound of salt with him.
Salt is more valuable than gold
Some researchers of the Russian language believe that the word "salt" comes from the old name of the Sun, which sounded like "Solon". Many popular signs and superstitions were associated with salt. For example, it was considered a bad omen to spill salt. It arose because salt in Russia was a very expensive product. The salt shaker was put on the table only for very dear guests. If the guest is by chance or - what good! - deliberately spilled salt, it was considered a manifestation of disrespect for the owners. That is why they still say: "To sprinkle salt - to a quarrel!"
Since salt not only does not spoil itself, but also helps preserve other foods, it was also considered a symbol of immortality. Perhaps that is why the pagans also tried to carry a bag of salt with them to protect them from witches and other evil spirits.
The Slovak fairy tale "Salt is more valuable than gold" tells about the importance of salt in the life of Slavic peoples. Her heroine Princess Maruška compared her love for her father with her love for salt, thereby provoking terrible anger on his part. Only when there was no salt left in the whole kingdom, which magically turned into gold, the king-father fully realized his mistake.
When the newlyweds are greeted with bread and salt during the wedding ceremony, the groom's parents thus express their readiness to accept their son's wife into the family. At the same time, a ruddy loaf must be brought on a beautiful embroidered towel, symbolizing purity and bright thoughts.
Despite the fact that the tradition of meeting guests with bread and salt is very ancient, it has not left Russian culture to this day and has become a symbol of hospitality as one of the best qualities of the Russian people.
