How Welcome Guests in the Summer
Hospitality is a concept that exists in some form or other in all countries and has since the dawn on time. It was a custom from days when life was harsh and perilous. Travelers, neighbors, friends and even strangers in need were able to stop at any home for shelter, food and water. No decent person would turn another away knowing that he too would have need and must rely on others.
We may not have the same needs today, but still a refreshing drink on a hot day after commuting an hour in a car or being out shopping is considerate. It is now relegated to social grace and good upbringing, but it is still a custom cherished in many cultures. How we treat others shows a lot about our character. Sadly social grace, hospitality and character are far too often found lacking today. Just because someone has not travelled the desert on a camel is not reason to not offer a cool beverage.
Given that summer is upon us, for those who have either forgotten or who grew up in cool climates let’s look at some of the things that are typical of greeting a guest in the deep south, which is known for its southern hospitality. Again, far too many in the big cities no longer practice it, sadly. There are a few things that have had to change due to crime, and that should be common sense. I was raised to never refuse to answer the door and never fail to invite someone inside. Of course, this is not safe, and I never answer the door for strangers. As far as people you are expecting, contractors, workers, friends and others, we answer the door for them. When you do so, you always invite someone inside and immediately offer them something to drink. In the summer, sweet iced tea is the staple, and a sprig of mint in it is very refreshing. Lemonade is also great for cooling and refreshing. At least have ice water or soda. I usually offer a selection. I also always keep snacks – healthy snacks like nuts, crackers, and fruit in the house. It is replenishing, light and easy to offer. This is certainly very easy – almost not worth mentioning, yet I do so because I notice that people no longer do it! Oddly enough, those from old world countries still have the nice hospitality. Perhaps these countries simply have not forgotten their culture and manners.
These customs are very similar to hot weather customs in other countries. Indeed the desert cultures, even back to ancient time were quite strict about hospitality and it is still extremely important in those cultures. In the ancient Arab and Mediterranean cultures is was a feuding offense to failure to offer hospitality. The hospitality included (as it did here in times past) offering a finger bowl to wash up and freshen oneself and cool off. People also removed their shoes and washed their feet. Not only is it hygienic and keeps from tracking dirt into the house, but it is very cooling. People in the south, if very hot, were often offered a cool wet towel.
We may think this unnecessary today with air conditioning and such, but t is still best to make guests as comfortable as possible and make them feel welcome. We have a saying in the south, “Make yourself at home,” and we mean it. It means that we want you to be comfortable and at ease in our house as you are in your house. Now, that is hospitality!
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Renee Comet/WikiMedia Commons
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