Khleb da sol

Several years ago when I was in Russia doing music videos for an American theme park we were warmly entertained by our official hosts, well-known entertainers and sometimes just people we met.

I'm happy to say that even in modern times the tradition continues of welcoming a new friend by the words Хлеб-соль (pronounced Khleb da sol) which literally translates to "bread and salt". Following the greeting we were immediately served a nicely
decorated home-baked loaf of bread and a side dish of salt. The tradition is to break off a small piece of bread, dip it into the salt and eat it while toasting each other with copious amounts of vodka.

To Russians, bread is the heart of life. It personifies hospitality and the words are synonymous.  Salt is equated with friendship (you've heard the term "salt of the Earth"?)  Centuries ago salt was very expensive and prized and also a symbol of protection. Having salt in the house was thought to guard the house from evil forces.

My grandmother would greet the new year with a pickled herring in one hand and salt in the other ... the herring to wish for food throughout the coming year, and the salt to assure good health and well-being for loved ones.

Although a centuries-old tradition, even today bread and salt is used at weddings and even to welcome returning cosmonauts home.

Thought for the day:

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival"

- CS Lewis



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