Hospitality, a codified art.
Hospitality is a universal practice, reflecting the values and social codes of an era. From ancient Greece to the present day, this article explores some of its codes and customs and their evolution.
Hospitality in ancient Greece: a sacred duty.
In ancient Greece, hospitality (xenia) was considered a religious and moral obligation. Offering a bed and simple meals such as bread, olives, and wine reflected respect for Zeus Xenios, the patron god of guests.
Wealthy homes have basic bathrooms with basins for ablutions. Basins of water and towels are provided for guests to wash their hands and feet, a purification ritual. Outdoor latrines are shared, and in wealthier homes, pots are available for private use.
In Rome, hospitality becomes an art of staging.
Wealthy Romans transformed banquets into veritable displays of power and wealth. They reflected the host's social status and often served to forge political and economic alliances. Philosophical, political, and literary discussions enlivened these gatherings.
The villas have private baths and restrooms decorated for the comfort of guests.
Hospitality in Ancient China: A Matter of Honor
In ancient China, hospitality was deeply influenced by Confucian philosophies. Welcoming a guest was a mark of respect and an act of virtue.
Wealthy Chinese families offer separate, harmonious rooms often decorated according to Taoist principles. Guests receive warm towels and basins of water for purification before meals. Offering tea is a fundamental ritual, symbolizing generosity and refinement. Some luxurious homes have dedicated ablution areas with stone or ceramic bathtubs and covered latrines within the home or in an annex. Hygiene products, linens, or paper towels (the precursor to modern toilet paper) are provided.
Medieval hospitality: between religion and hierarchy.
In the Middle Ages, hospitality was a Christian duty, reflecting social hierarchy. Noble guests were housed in rooms with feather beds, while humble guests slept in dormitories or the great hall.
The banquets were lavish and every detail, such as the order of seating or the prayer before the meal, illustrated the strict codes of the time.
Chamber pots were common in private bedrooms. Guests used garderobes (latrines cut into castle walls).
the feast - national library of France
From the Renaissance: refinement at the heart of hospitality.
The Renaissance marked a quest for harmony and refinement. Meals became artistic experiences where every detail was carefully orchestrated. Tables were adorned with sumptuous tablecloths, silverware, and fine crockery. Table linens were sometimes scented with rosewater.
Erasmus of Rotterdam wrote the first authoritative manual of good manners. Forks and chairs were now part of everyday life.
Guests slept in furnished rooms. Decorative chamber pots were provided in the bedrooms or alcoves near the reception rooms. Chamber pots were usually accompanied by luxurious accessories, perfumes, and flowers to mask odors. Access to restrooms was a sign of respect for guests.
In the 18th century: the age of salons and bourgeois refinement.
The 18th century was marked by the Enlightenment and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Hospitality became an art of living centered on culture and elegance. Literary salons, often organized by influential women, brought together the intellectual and political elite around refined discussions.
Guests have carefully appointed bedrooms, separate from the family's private quarters. A tray with a carafe of water and a glass was often left available, a luxury at the time.
Guests were provided with clean linens, a basin of hot water for washing, and the ultimate luxury of scented soap. Elegant chamber pots were hidden in furniture or chests of drawers, along with scented toiletries.
Wealthy homes are beginning to incorporate modern toilets.
The 19th century: Victorian etiquette.
The 19th century saw the emergence of rigorous hospitality, marked by the codes of Victorian etiquette. Every detail, from invitations to attire, was meticulously controlled. Receptions followed precise rules that symbolized the respectability and refinement of the hosts.
Meals are structured into several courses according to a crucial order. The winter gardens offer intimate spaces for entertaining.
Bourgeois homes now have dedicated, meticulously decorated bedrooms. In the most modern homes, private bathrooms with bathtubs and flush toilets are appearing.
The 20th century: towards modern and relaxed hospitality.
The 20th century marked a significant shift in hospitality standards. During the first half of the century, within aristocratic and bourgeois circles, dinners remained formal, with seated meals organized into several courses. Formal invitations remained the norm for dinner parties and balls. Electricity, heating, and running water significantly improved comfort. Guest rooms became standard in large residences, with the installation of sinks and sometimes en-suite bathrooms. Guest toilets became more common in bourgeois homes, reflecting advances in sanitation.
After the Second World War, with the rise of the middle classes, hospitality became more widespread and more relaxed. Traditional dinners gave way to buffets or cocktail parties, where guests served themselves. Meals became simpler, also influenced by other cuisines. Guest rooms and toilets became more common in modern houses and apartments.
Today, exchanges and receptions have evolved towards greater simplicity and spontaneity, freeing themselves from the strict conventions and codes of the past. Hospitality is no longer seen as a duty but rather as a valuable opportunity to express our attention to our guests. It also reflects our personality, our taste for decoration, and our attention to detail.
Here are some ideas for welcoming your guests in a thoughtful and memorable way:
- Make sure the bedding is comfortable and the bed linen is of good quality.
- Plan for storage space
- Add a mirror, ideally full length
- Place a bottle of water and a glass on the bedside table
- Offer some books and magazines
- Add a basket with fresh fruit and chocolates
- Provide soft towels
- Place one of the two fragrances, Eau Belles Toilettes or Elixir Bien Elevé, and a Savon de Belle Façon in the bathroom. Make sure there's a roll of toilet paper. You'll have scented the place before your guests arrive.
- Plan a refined and generous breakfast with healthy and gourmet options, taking into account your guests' dietary restrictions or preferences (you will have taken care to ask them in advance).
☞ to discover our perfuming rituals and our washing rituals, it's here
Sources: BNF daily life in the Middle Ages https://essentiels.bnf.fr/fr/histoire - The world of salons" Antoine Lilti - le monde/m-styles/alarenaissancelerepasestunspectacle