![]() 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” (Homer, p. So, you should offer more than others can - I ’ d make you famous then in endless lands. “ 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. As demonstrated in a quote from The Odyssey: The more one gave to others and charitable causes, the higher one’s status was considered to be. On the part of the host, hospitality was also an opportunity to display wealth. Jupiter and Mercurius in the House of Philemon and Baucis, by the workshop of Rubens (1630–33): Zeus and Hermes put a village’s hospitality to the test and the only ones to welcome them in were Baucis and Philemon, who were blessed while their neighbors were punished. In exchange, travelers would leave a parting gift in thanks. In this way, Xenia allowed travelers to pass safely between states, provided someone was willing to accommodate their stay and provide food and shelter for the night. Guest houses and inns were limited or non-existent, and those that existed could be too expensive for the casual traveller. Ancient Greek city-states did not promise visitors safety or shelter. ![]() One important aspect of Xenia is that it allowed travelers to pass through otherwise hostile territory safely. Relationships established under Xenia could be maintained over great distances, lengths of time and extend outwards beyond established social connections. The practice encouraged guest-friend relationships through the medium of gift exchange. ![]() Politically speaking, Xenia was seen as a force for social good and helped to maintain stability within society. It was believed that doing so would put one in favor with the gods. ![]() The Greeks referred to this process as Xenia, a social rule whereby one must endeavor to give material and non-material gifts, such as hospitality and food, to a traveler or stranger. The Odyssey portrays the cultural form of gift giving, confirming that social and material gifts were repaid in the form of an exchange. Gift exchange between families, states, overseas powers and domestic aristocrats helped build long-term social relationships. Gift giving in Archaic Greece was preferred over commodity exchange. The Evolution of Exchange in Archaic Greece 4000-6000 B.C In an act of hospitality, Eurycleia washes the feet of Odysseus, disguised as a beggar ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |