Generousity Within Context: Hospitality
May. 6th, 2006 11:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
badstarhos·pi·tal·i·ty ( P ) Pronunciation Key (hsp-tl-t)
n. pl. hos·pi·tal·i·ties
1. Cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests.
2. An instance of cordial and generous treatment of guests.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Hebrews 13:2
In considering the virtue of "hospitality", I've thought about what it means to me, and what the dictionary gives as its meaning....cordial and generous treatment of guests. It comes from the same root as hospital and hospice.
Different cultures have different rules regarding aspects of hospitality. One example which I was reading recently came from the inside of a box of Celestial Seasonings tea, which spoke of Vietnamese Culture, and how very often, tea would be offered to visitors- even before strangers are introduced, and that it is not possible to politely refuse the offer. The mythologies of the world are full of strories of gods or royalty, disguised as beggars or travellers who come to a village seeking aid, shelter or a hot meal...those who offer their hospitality..even if it means emptying their paltry stores of food are rewarded, those who turn the stranger away are punished. One such story from Greek mythology is that of Baucis and Philemon:
Zeus and Hermes decided to test the hospitality of the citizens of Phrygia, disguised as poor travellers, they went about the area, knocking on doors of homes both wealthy and poor, begging a meal. At every house they were turned away unceremoniousy, until the last house they came to, the poorest, they were given a warm welcome and while the couple who resided there, Baucis and Philemon, had very little, they immediately set to preparing a modest meal with the last of the food that they had, and offering a weak wine that they had been savig for a special occasion. The couple so regretted that they could not offer more to their guests, that they then decided that they would cook the goose that they kept in the house. The goose was not so amenable to this idea and ran off, flapping about the hut...Baucis and Philemon were unabe to catch the goose, who had come to rest between their guests...who decided that this was the time to reveal themselves as the gods that they were. Zeus explained to his hosts that everywhere they went in the and, He and Hermes had been turned away- the people of Phrygia had been most unkind and for that they would perish- myth has it that he flooded the region. But for their kindness and generousity, Baucis and Philemon were spared. Not only that, but Zeus turned their rickety hut into a temple with grand columns and a roof of gold..and more, He told the couple that he would grant thecouple anything they wished. What they wished for was to live out their days as priests in his temple, and when their lives were over, to die at the same time, so that one would never have to be without the other. Their wish was granted and many years later, when it was that time, the couple found themelves simultaneously being covered in bark and sprouting leaves...they grew into oak and linden trees, which even now grow from the same trunk. This husband and wife, together eternally as rewards for their generousity, the others from their town killed as punishment for their callous rudeness.
This is just one of innumerable stories. The Ancient Greeks placed high value on hospitaity and xenia, the concept of guest-friendship especially between a guest and host who are native to different regions. Many of the people believed that if a stranger turned up at your door begging hospitality, you were obliged to offer it or face the wrath of the gods, as illustrated in the story above. An excellent host may have gained fame and prestige in the land, and this was certainly a way to display ones wealth. Conversely, a guest might be obligated to present his host with a gift, tell the story of his travels or offer news and knowledge of the world
One other important point to note is that the Ancient Greeks may have considered hospitatlity as a means for honoring the gods, as suggested here:
"Alkinos, this is not the better way, nor is it fitting
that the stranger should sit on the ground beside the hearth, in the ashes.
These others are holding back because they await your order.
But come, raise the stranger up and seat him on a silver-studded chair,
and tell your heralds to mix in more wine for us,
so we can pour a libation to Zeus who delights in the thunder.
(Odyssey, p.115, ll. 159-164)
This is quite possibly a reference to the fact that they saw hospitality as a way to honor the gods; giving hospitality to a stranger was the same as offering it to a god. Zeus being the god of hospitality, one of the primary ways to worship this aspect of Zeus' godliness was to be hospitable to strangers and travelers." (1)
My own greatest experience with hospitality has come from belonging to Alpha Phi Omega, which is a collegiate service organization. After I left school, I did a good bit of traveling. One of the things that most brothers (the organization is co-ed, but all members are brothers regardless of sex) learn is that we are very quick to offer our hospitality to others who may be travelling through our area- most often in the form of "crash space". There was one occasion when I was traveling to Pennsylvania from upstate New York, and due to a delayed train, I was stuck in New York City overnight. Not wanting to sit in a train station all night- not really sure that that was a good idea, I made a few phone calls and with the help of the brother whom I had just been visiting, I was able to contact alumni on Staten Island and explain the situation. Without hesitation they said "You're staying with us tonight." It was only after I got directions, left the station and took the subway and ferry all the way to Staten Island and was met by my hosts that we realized that we had met before, albeit briefly, several months earlier during a conference in Minneapolis. I can't speak for others, but when I'm shown such kindness, I hope to be able to reciprocate, however in situations like this, sometimes all I can do is pay it forward- I have had the opportnity to allow other brothers who were travelling to stay at my place, including two instances while I was living with my parents. My stepfather was not at all happy about this, but understanding that they would do the same for me (and that on many occasions, others have done the same for me), could not find enough reason to justify denying the guests.
These examples speak of hospitality. While certainly a noble virtue, I would argue that in our list of, we should consider the wider idea of generousity. To be sure, hospitality does require generousity- to those who would come into your home or other area of your own control as well as from the guest. If I am a dinner guest in someone's home, they are going to act in a hospitable fashion towards me, and with the ancient custom of the guest gifting the host, I might bring for my hosts a bottle of wine, flowers, candy or somehting else as apropriate to the occasion, or I may entertain by telling stories or with song, sharing conversation and news of mutual interest. Nowadays it is also very common for a guest to clean up, or at least to offer to help clean up after a meal. But generousity is a variable in any equation that involves giving....money to charity, food and clothing to the needy, giving time to help someone out, and yes, hospitality- giving to your guests, sharing your home, your food and drink, your comforts. Hospitality is generousity within a specific context.
(1)Taylor, Kelly. "Hospitality In The ancient Greek World". December 13, 1996 www.crowdog.net/hospitality.html .
n. pl. hos·pi·tal·i·ties
1. Cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests.
2. An instance of cordial and generous treatment of guests.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Hebrews 13:2
In considering the virtue of "hospitality", I've thought about what it means to me, and what the dictionary gives as its meaning....cordial and generous treatment of guests. It comes from the same root as hospital and hospice.
Different cultures have different rules regarding aspects of hospitality. One example which I was reading recently came from the inside of a box of Celestial Seasonings tea, which spoke of Vietnamese Culture, and how very often, tea would be offered to visitors- even before strangers are introduced, and that it is not possible to politely refuse the offer. The mythologies of the world are full of strories of gods or royalty, disguised as beggars or travellers who come to a village seeking aid, shelter or a hot meal...those who offer their hospitality..even if it means emptying their paltry stores of food are rewarded, those who turn the stranger away are punished. One such story from Greek mythology is that of Baucis and Philemon:
Zeus and Hermes decided to test the hospitality of the citizens of Phrygia, disguised as poor travellers, they went about the area, knocking on doors of homes both wealthy and poor, begging a meal. At every house they were turned away unceremoniousy, until the last house they came to, the poorest, they were given a warm welcome and while the couple who resided there, Baucis and Philemon, had very little, they immediately set to preparing a modest meal with the last of the food that they had, and offering a weak wine that they had been savig for a special occasion. The couple so regretted that they could not offer more to their guests, that they then decided that they would cook the goose that they kept in the house. The goose was not so amenable to this idea and ran off, flapping about the hut...Baucis and Philemon were unabe to catch the goose, who had come to rest between their guests...who decided that this was the time to reveal themselves as the gods that they were. Zeus explained to his hosts that everywhere they went in the and, He and Hermes had been turned away- the people of Phrygia had been most unkind and for that they would perish- myth has it that he flooded the region. But for their kindness and generousity, Baucis and Philemon were spared. Not only that, but Zeus turned their rickety hut into a temple with grand columns and a roof of gold..and more, He told the couple that he would grant thecouple anything they wished. What they wished for was to live out their days as priests in his temple, and when their lives were over, to die at the same time, so that one would never have to be without the other. Their wish was granted and many years later, when it was that time, the couple found themelves simultaneously being covered in bark and sprouting leaves...they grew into oak and linden trees, which even now grow from the same trunk. This husband and wife, together eternally as rewards for their generousity, the others from their town killed as punishment for their callous rudeness.
This is just one of innumerable stories. The Ancient Greeks placed high value on hospitaity and xenia, the concept of guest-friendship especially between a guest and host who are native to different regions. Many of the people believed that if a stranger turned up at your door begging hospitality, you were obliged to offer it or face the wrath of the gods, as illustrated in the story above. An excellent host may have gained fame and prestige in the land, and this was certainly a way to display ones wealth. Conversely, a guest might be obligated to present his host with a gift, tell the story of his travels or offer news and knowledge of the world
One other important point to note is that the Ancient Greeks may have considered hospitatlity as a means for honoring the gods, as suggested here:
"Alkinos, this is not the better way, nor is it fitting
that the stranger should sit on the ground beside the hearth, in the ashes.
These others are holding back because they await your order.
But come, raise the stranger up and seat him on a silver-studded chair,
and tell your heralds to mix in more wine for us,
so we can pour a libation to Zeus who delights in the thunder.
(Odyssey, p.115, ll. 159-164)
This is quite possibly a reference to the fact that they saw hospitality as a way to honor the gods; giving hospitality to a stranger was the same as offering it to a god. Zeus being the god of hospitality, one of the primary ways to worship this aspect of Zeus' godliness was to be hospitable to strangers and travelers." (1)
My own greatest experience with hospitality has come from belonging to Alpha Phi Omega, which is a collegiate service organization. After I left school, I did a good bit of traveling. One of the things that most brothers (the organization is co-ed, but all members are brothers regardless of sex) learn is that we are very quick to offer our hospitality to others who may be travelling through our area- most often in the form of "crash space". There was one occasion when I was traveling to Pennsylvania from upstate New York, and due to a delayed train, I was stuck in New York City overnight. Not wanting to sit in a train station all night- not really sure that that was a good idea, I made a few phone calls and with the help of the brother whom I had just been visiting, I was able to contact alumni on Staten Island and explain the situation. Without hesitation they said "You're staying with us tonight." It was only after I got directions, left the station and took the subway and ferry all the way to Staten Island and was met by my hosts that we realized that we had met before, albeit briefly, several months earlier during a conference in Minneapolis. I can't speak for others, but when I'm shown such kindness, I hope to be able to reciprocate, however in situations like this, sometimes all I can do is pay it forward- I have had the opportnity to allow other brothers who were travelling to stay at my place, including two instances while I was living with my parents. My stepfather was not at all happy about this, but understanding that they would do the same for me (and that on many occasions, others have done the same for me), could not find enough reason to justify denying the guests.
These examples speak of hospitality. While certainly a noble virtue, I would argue that in our list of, we should consider the wider idea of generousity. To be sure, hospitality does require generousity- to those who would come into your home or other area of your own control as well as from the guest. If I am a dinner guest in someone's home, they are going to act in a hospitable fashion towards me, and with the ancient custom of the guest gifting the host, I might bring for my hosts a bottle of wine, flowers, candy or somehting else as apropriate to the occasion, or I may entertain by telling stories or with song, sharing conversation and news of mutual interest. Nowadays it is also very common for a guest to clean up, or at least to offer to help clean up after a meal. But generousity is a variable in any equation that involves giving....money to charity, food and clothing to the needy, giving time to help someone out, and yes, hospitality- giving to your guests, sharing your home, your food and drink, your comforts. Hospitality is generousity within a specific context.
(1)Taylor, Kelly. "Hospitality In The ancient Greek World". December 13, 1996 www.crowdog.net/hospitality.html .
