The Art of Greek Hospitality

Many cultures pride themselves on different virtues. Of course, almost all cultures pride themselves on their food and cuisine. However, hospitality is one part of Greek culture you will often hear about. Being hospitable to guests and others is a core defining characteristic of Greek culture. Greek families have taught and practiced hospitality for thousands of years, which often interlinks with Greek cuisine. Sharing recipes, food, and a palace to eat are all pillars of hospitality. 

A History of Hospitality 

The many traditions we observe today that take root in ancient practices from thousands of years ago cannot be understated. And of course, this is very true when we look at Greek culture. Like other ancient civilizations, Greece understood the importance of codifying virtues into their culture. We often see this in ancient stories and myths. For example, in one myth, a couple, Philemon and Baucis, are the only two village members willing to provide food (even though they had little) to visiting beggars. It is revealed that after their hospitality, these beggars were the gods in disguise looking to test the village’s virtues. Because the rest of the village failed that test, the village was flooded, and Philemon and Baucis were the only survivors of this judgment. 

This story tells us how ancient Greeks interwove the virtue of hospitality into their legends and their faith. Understanding the importance of sharing a meal even when it was not convenient was seen as a supreme virtue among Greeks, which echoed throughout history. 

What Is Xenia?

Xenia, or in Greek ξενία, is the concept of hospitality. It can be translated as “guest-friendship” or “ritualized friendship”. The ancient Greeks understood etiquette and hospitality, which involved following the strict rules expected of any Greek man or woman hosting others. It was considered a moral and political obligation for ancient Greeks to provide hospitality to other Greeks, foreigners, and guests.

Because of its position in the Mediterranean and its growth throughout Europe and Asia, ancient Greeks were constantly sharing their culture, food, and hospitality with others. Two rules of Xenia were that hosts would provide their guests with all the basic needs, including safe travel to their next destination. In turn, guests would be gracious to their hosts and do their best not to burden them. Guests would provide news from their travels, while hosts would provide food and lodging. 

Enjoy Greek Hospitality & Food at Committee in the Seaport

Even today, the traditions of ancient Greece are echoed throughout the lives of many Greek men and women around the globe. Here at Committee, we pride ourselves on following Greek cuisine and hospitality traditions.