Etiquette and Roots of Hospitality

Russian hospitality during the time of Ivan the Terrible, from a painting by Schwartz

“Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared.”  Jesse Browne

Omotenashi A Very Japanese Hospitality

Any foreigner who has lived in Japan for an extended period of time will have been asked this question: "What's your favorite Japanese word?" In my own case I have often answered the enquiry with omotenashi and, without exception, my reply has garnered instant murmurs of approval. The tacit implication is that I have "understood." But what, exactly, is it?

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Omotenashi is a singularly difficult word to define, let alone translate. It is very close to the Western phrase 'Hospitality', yet it is palpably something else, one of those semi-mystical Japanese keywords that seem to tap into the very heart of the Japanese cultural DNA, yet remain somehow beyond literal explanation. One of my personal favorite attempts to decipher its meaning, comes from an unlikely source, the PR department of a major Japanese cosmetics corporation:

"Omotenashi is a word you have to translate with your heart" says their copy, "It is a subtle connection in which trust, pleasure and respect are interwoven in an approach steeped in a natural sense of deference; an exquisite approach to the art of receiving guests." Not a bad stab at it, methinks.

My own attempt goes something like this: "Omotenashi describes an atmosphere of conviviality and welcome in which individual needs and preferences are catered to impeccably, and of which an essential element is the unobtrusive, meticulous attention to detail. The term is primarily used in modern Japan in the hospitality and service industries, most notably in high-end hotels and restaurants, though its use is not exclusive to those trades; it may even be used to describe the hospitality found in the confines of a private home."

Text By John Ashburne

The Protector of Hospitality? The Greek god Zeus:

Abusing a defenceless stranger is disgraceful.  Strangers are especially protected by the gods in many cultures; In ancient Greece, Zeus himself is called Xenios, Protector of Hospitality

 Hospitality in Homer’s Time

            Hospitality in Homer’s time was well shown through long travels such as Odysseus' in The Odyssey as well as the guest-friend relationship, known as xenia.  There are many possible reasons why hospitality was more prevalent in those times.  Traveling in Homer’s time was much more extensive and lengthier than in modern times.  The less advanced methods of transportation used in Homeric times, such as by boat or by foot, were much slower than modern forms of transportation.   Because of this, many more nights were spent away from home in many different locations.  Also, there were not hotels or inns where travelers could pay and stay the night.  Even if there were, travelers probably could not afford to pay for every night they were gone.  Because of this, travelers had to rely on the hospitality of others for shelter, food, and protection.  There was, however, some payment for this hospitality in the form of a gift exchange.  Another possible reason for this hospitality was the fact that there were not nations that would allow travelers to enter their territory safely.  Without such hospitality, strangers could be captured or even killed for entering a foreign land.  The Greek guest-friendship xenia may have been formed from this.  Xenia is the Greek relationship between two people from different regions.  This allowed for the members of the relationship to safely travel into the other member’s territory and receive a place to stay and something to eat.  Another possible explanation for the amount of hospitality shown is that the Greeks believed the gods wanted them to show hospitality to anyone who showed up at their homes.  It was also believed that turning away someone and not providing them this hospitality would result in some form of punishment from the gods.  Finally, hospitality could have been used to spread ones name and bring them a sense of fame if they would provide a high standard of hospitality to strangers.  

It also could have been a way to show how wealthy one was.  These can be shown from this quote from The Odyssey: “Come, friend, and give me something; for you seem to be no lowly man among the Greeks, but their most noble lord-indeed a chief.  So you should offer more than others can-I’d make you famous then in endless lands.  I, too, was once a man of means; my house was rich; I often gave to vagabonds, whoever they might be, who came in need”.

            

Is hospitality as customary now as it was in Homer’s time, and if not, why?  It seems as though modern people do show hospitality towards others, but in a different way than those in Homeric times.  It is not custom anymore to provide food, protection, and shelter to a stranger that arrives at someone’s door.  This could be because there are hotels and restaurants almost anywhere one can go.  There is no need to for someone to ask for these.  Also, protection is not a large concern for most travelers, especially in the United States.  Hospitality is still shown, however, in modern society.  For example, when someone’s car breaks down most people would welcome them into their homes and help them in any way they can without even asking who they are.  Also, most people know of someone, be it family or friend, in a different city that would welcome them and provide them with a place to stay and food, which is similar to the xenia in Homer’s time.  Although the hospitality customs of Homer’s time are not still around, there are similarities to them and hospitality is still visible.

Fear of Gods

            

Throughout The Odyssey there are many ongoing themes, but one of the most important themes of this story is the tradition of Greek hospitality or xenia.  This type of hospitality was very unique and it played an important role in the ancient Greek society.  As a matter of fact, this kind of hospitality was so unique that it almost seems unbelievable, because very few societies have behaved in this manner towards their guests.  From the very nature of this behavior, one can easily come to the conclusion that the people of ancient Greek society were truly hospitable.  However, fear of the gods, rather than pure decency, is a possible cause of the actions of ancient Greeks towards their guests.

            

The hospitality of ancient Greek society is very clearly seen throughout the Odyssey.  During the travels of both Odysseus and Telemacus, one can easily see how strangers were greeted and treated upon their arrival to a new place.  It seems as if strangers were invited in for a feast, showered with gifts and luxuries, and then asked who they were and what their business was.  As anyone can see, this type of hospitality is very unusual and distinctive.  Not very many cultures would treat strangers in this manner.  Therefore we are led to believe that there is some other reasoning behind all of this generosity.

            

The people of ancient Greek society did not show all of this hospitality solely out of the goodness of their hearts, but rather they did it for the gods.  During this time, hospitality was treated as a test from the gods.  In Book XIV, Eumaeus says: “for it is Zeus who sends to us all beggars and strangers; and a gift, however small, means much when given by a man like me…”  This means that it is the god Zeus who demands magnificent hospitality upon all mortals.  Since hosts had no way of knowing who their visitors were, they were forced to treat every visitor as if they were a god.  By treating every guest like a god, there is no mistake of accidentally treating a god differently, just in case one was to show up at their door disguised as a stranger.  This appears to be done through fear, not generosity. 

            

The fear of the gods’ wrath is seen in many of Odysseus’ travels.  Many of the hosts ask Odysseus to pray for their happiness to the gods in return for their hospitality.  This leads us to believe that they only shower him with gifts and feed him because it is what the gods want.  There is, however, an adventure where Odysseus is not shown good hospitality.  This adventure is the encounter with the Cyclops, Polyphemus.  When entering the cave of Polyphemus, Odysseus relies on the expectation of hospitality and helps himself to food and shelter.  When Polyphemus returns, however, we see that he does not follow the rules of Greek hospitality.  The reason he does not abide by these rules is because his father is the god Poseidon.  He does not fear the wrath of the gods because he feels his father will protect him.

            

As anyone can see, the people from ancient Greece were very hospitable. It is possible, however, that this Greek hospitality comes from the fear of the gods, and not only from pure politeness.  Not only can this be seen in the story of The Odyssey, but it can be seen in other ancient Greek stories as well.

The Unwanted

            

There are many things in life that come unwanted, and there are also things in life that we must do unwillingly.  In The Odyssey, providing hospitality often fell into these unwanted areas.  There were instances in this epic poem where Odysseus was offered and/or provided hospitality that he did not necessarily want, and there was also one major illustration of characters that felt obligated to provide hospitality that they did not want to provide.

            

The fact that Odysseus wanted to get home to his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, is undisputable.  When speaking with Alcinous, he once said, “…For if a man is far from his own home and parents, then even if he is housed in opulence within that foreign land, no thing he finds can be more sweet than what he left behind.”  This statement proves how Odysseus felt about the hospitality he had been offered and/or provided, and how he much more longed to be home.  Calypso, a fair goddess, had wanted to keep Odysseus in her cavern as her husband, but he refused.  Círce also tried to keep Odysseus in her halls and keep him there as her mate, but her attempts failed as well.  Although both of these women had fine homes and fine things to offer him, their hospitality was too much for Odysseus.  He instead left each with the goal of returning to Ithaca and reclaiming his family and his home. 

            

Another case where hospitality came in an unwanted abundance was when Telemachus encountered Nestor.  It was here that Telemachus found himself more welcome than he wanted.  Nestor seemed to enjoy Telemachus’ company and entertained him by telling him many stories.  While Telemachus appreciated all the hospitality in this instance as well, he just wanted to continue his journey and learn about his father’s whereabouts.

            

Throughout his journey, Odysseus also begins to reject hospitality when he finds himself encountering troubles at each place he comes to.  Eventually he is the only man left alive.  When he first wakes up on the island of Schería, he says, “What misery is mine?  What mortals must I meet in this new land that I now touch?”  The hospitality he is offered is unwanted because he has begun to question the motives of the people he meets.  He starts to wonder if they are actually kind or if they are only trying to please the gods with their hospitality.

            

On the opposite side, back at home, Telemachus and Penelope found themselves feeling obligated to provide hospitality when they did not necessarily want to.  The suitors came to their home and expected proper hospitality to be offered to them.  Because of the importance of hospitality back in those times, most people assumed it.  In the case of the suitors, however, there was a larger assumption made on their part.  When the suitors first showed up at the doors of the palace, Penelope and Telemachus intended for them to stay for a feast or two.  The suitors more or less intruded and welcomed themselves far more than Penelope and Telemachus had wanted them to.  Even after the prophecy of Halithérses, who said: “Odysseus…won’t stay away from those he holds most dear; he is already near; and he has planted the seed of death and slaughter for the suitors…”, the suitors remained in the palace and continued to feast and try to impress Penelope until Odysseus returned and slaughtered them.     

Hospitality… Or Else!

            

Hospitality in today’s world has become little more than being friendly and considerate to your guest.  There are no universal rules for the conduct of the host or the guest; much less a threat of violence if a person does not behave in a certain manner.  The Odyssey, takes its reader to a very different world of rules and manners.  In the story, the importance of hospitality goes beyond being a gracious host; there is a threat of violence if the host or guest does not fulfill their responsibilities.

            

When Odysseus arrives on Kirké’s island, his men are being turned into animals and he goes to confront the witch.  On his way to met with her Hermes advises him on how to deal with the witch.  The ways in which Odysseus must deal with Kirké is by threatening her with his sword.  There are a few factors that may have motivated Hermes to help Odysseus confront Kirké.  One very important reason is that the goddess was violating the code of conduct between host and guest and not even a goddess can violate the rules.  From her confrontation with Odysseus, Kirké was taught a lesson by the other gods so that she would become more hospitable.

            

 The meeting with the Cyclops, Polyphemos, is another violent example of what happens with there is a violation between host/guest relations.  When the Cyclops decides to eat rather than welcome Odysseus and his crew, the men poke his eye out.  This event does not bother the gods at all.  The father of the Cyclops, Poseidon, is only upset by the event because it was his son who was hurt.  Zeus even praises Odysseus after the event by claiming that, “There is no mortal half so wise”.  This statement proves that violence was an acceptable answer when a host was not gracious.

            

 The most violent reaction to the disregard of the responsibilities between a host and his guests occurs when the suitors are killed.  These men were not only killed with the gods’ permission, but they were killed with the help of the gods.  Even when Odysseus wants to warn Amphînomos, the only suitor with honest intentions, he is bound to the palace by Athena.

            

Violent penalties for not respecting the “rules” of hospitality are not only found in the world of the ancient Greeks.  In the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorra three angels search in the city for someone who will welcome them into their home. When they do not find anyone inside the city, they travel to the home of Abraham.  According to the story, Abraham was recovering from a circumcision and in a great deal of pain when he saw the strangers.  Even with his pain he welcomed the strangers and was saved from the destruction of the city.

            

In both the Bible and The Odyssey violent penalties are given as a threat to anyone who is not hospitable and accommodating to their guest.  Because of this, it is not difficult to see that hospitality was one of the most important aspects to both societies.

Given and Received

Hospitality plays a major part in the Odyssey, but the actual hospitality is not as important as the way that that hospitality is received, and the consequences of that reception.  For our first example we will look at how the suitors respond to the hospitality given to them at the house of Odysseus.   Throughout the duration of Odysseus’ absence, the suitors are treated well, and in response to this, they refuse to leave when asked.  The suitors are fed and housed, and after a number of years they overstay their welcome.  In response to this Telemachus, prompted by Athena, informs the suitors that his father is returning home and they are all to vacate Odysseus’ home.  The suitors, in turn, ignore him and continue to eat drink and be merry, at the cost of Telemachus and Penelope’s household.  What are the consequences of these actions taken by the suitors?  Although the primary consequence is their death, they also lose the hand of Penelope.  None of them are able to pass the test of stringing the bow of Odysseus except Odysseus himself.  This is followed by the main consequence of the suitors’ execution at the hands of Odysseus and Telemachus.  By not respecting the hospitality given by Penelope, they set the stage for their own deaths.

            

 Our next instance of hospitality occurs on the island of the Cyclops.  The Cyclops meets Odysseus and his crew with undesirable hospitality.   Although not without cause the Cyclops’ reaction and subsequent actions against Odysseus and his crew ultimately resulted in an attack on him.  Although the hospitality of the Cyclops was objectionable the reaction of Odysseus, in the form of blinding the Cyclops, brings only more trouble onto himself.  Since the Cyclops was Poseidon’s son Poseidon was angered and brought about more problems for Odysseus and his crew.  Just like with the suitors, undesirable hospitality and a bad reception of that hospitality ultimately results in a break in the sacred guest host relationship.

            

Next we shall look at Odysseus’ stay on the island of Calypso.   Here he is met with exceptional hospitality.  Odysseus received this hospitality well and continued to please Calypso.  Only at the end did he ever try to refuse her hospitality and leave, and even this caused no serious problems.  Here we have an example of the guest-host relationship working well.  Calypso is provided with a companion, even if it was not permanent, and Odysseus was provided with shelter, provisions, and protection for his men.  In the end it proves to be a beneficial situation for them both.

From "The Value of Hospitality"

Odysseus and Hospitality to Strangers

Our world could scarcely be more different from that of Odysseus (Ulixes, Ulysses) in The Odyssey.

"Tell me, O Muse, of that ingenious hero who travelled far and wide

after he had sacked the famous town of Troy. Many cities did he visit,
and many were the nations with whose manners and customs he was
acquainted; moreover he suffered much by sea while trying to save
his own life and bring his men safely home ...."
 

Odyssey Book - In the World of Odysseus Gods Walked Among Men

It's not so much that gods walked and talked among mortals -- although today there are sometimes dire consequences for people claiming to hear divine voices.

"A certain man has been abroad many years; he is alone, and the god Poseidon keeps a hostile eye on him. At home the situation is that suitors for his wife's hand are draining his resources and plotting to kill his son. Then, after suffering storm and shipwreck, he comes home, makes himself known, attacks the suitors: he survives and they are destroyed."
-Aristotle's summary of The Odyssey according to Robert Fagles on the PBS March 13, 1997 Online News Hour.
 

In the World of Odysseus There Were Fantastic Temptresses

Nor does the difference lie in the existence of monsters and fantastic, villainous temptresses like the Sirens, Circe, or Calypso. Such vixens hardly seem out of place today with our daily dose of television and tabloids.

"First you will come to the Sirens
who enchant all who come near them. If any one unwarily draws in too
close and hears the singing of the Sirens, his wife and children
will never welcome him home again...."
Odyssey XII

 

The Important Difference is Hospitality

In antiquity children read and memorized the Epics of Homer (Iliad and Odyssey) because they showed patterns and standards of behavior citizens were expected to emulate. Among these was the all-important ethic of hospitality.

Etiquette vs. Safety

Today, if we're wise, we don't open our bolted doors to strangers without proof of identity, we fear hitch-hikers, and we expect visitors to bring a dish or bottle of wine when they come for a visit. Rules of etiquette require us to make our guests feel at home, but not to make people we don't know our guests.

Strangers are the bogey-men we warn our children about. This hasn't always been the case.

Before the advent of coins, credit cards, Motel 6, and McDonalds, hospitality to strangers saved lives.

From About Ancient History

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Moderator and Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia