 |
||
 |
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
HospitalityIn Zuben, generosity brings honor, while stinginess spawns contempt. As a result, Zuberi hospitality is unrivalled. According to Zuberi ethics, a man must offer food and drink to anyone who appears at his doorstep as a friend, no matter how poor the host may be. In her husband's place, or when receiving female friends, a woman must do the same. If a guest comes to the door at night, a host must offer lodging as well as sustenance. A wealthy host may also offer entertainment. such as the dance of a talented servant and perhaps even a gift. The obligation -and desire- to offer hospitality is as compelling as any personal need. A nomadic tribe whose food stuffs are nearly gone may avoid a busy oasis even if their water stores are equally low. The tribe would rather know thirst and hunger than be unable to offer hospitality to the strangers at the oasis. A host assumes responsibility for the well-being of his guests. Whether a man lives in a goat's-hair tent or a lavish house, his honor depends on how well he treats those who place themselves in his care. For this reason, guests can expect safety as well as sustenance, even if they once were the host's enemies. Arsenic and other toxins are easy to obtain in Zuben, and poison is a common way to eliminate foes. Nonetheless, once foes become guests -and share the bond of salt- even they can eat heartily, expecting the host's protection as well as his friendship. In turn, the guests are expected to act as loyal friends, never overstaying their welcome, and never overstepping the bounds of good behavior. The TraditionThe first thing a host will do when a guest enters their home is bring forth basins of scented water and fresh cloths so that the guest may wash. A servant will come forward and assist the guest with the washing of and removal of their shoes, offering soft slippers to be worn while the guest is in the house. In cases of extremely high ranking officials or guests, the servant will actually wash the guest's feet. Afterwards guests are led into a central room where the ritual of guest-host performed. Fresh bread is sprinkled with salt where the rite of salt is enacted. (already explained). If the guest is present during meal time, the guest is given the choicest of morsels, though the guest is careful not to take more than can be consumed. As a rule there are no utensils present. Food is scooped up with pieces fresh bread rounds baked especially for such an occasion. Utensils are considered an unnecessary intrusion in a person's enjoyment of food. Large cloth napkins are provided as are bowls with lemon and rose petals for in-between washes. At the end of the meal the hand washing ritual is repeated. Even in poor homes there is at least one bowl of water and clean cloth for the beginning and end of a meal. The Bond of SaltThe salt bond epitomizes Zuberi hospitality and the mutual responsibilities of host and guest. When a guest ingests salt from a host's table, their bond becomes formal. Presumably, the salt remains in the guest's body for three days. Until those three days elapse, the host is responsible for the guest's welfare. By offering the salt, the host vows to protect the guest from harm for the duration of the salt bond. Ekmeka ve sakla (sharing bread and salt) is looked on with great respect. Whoever breaks the salt bond will find no protection in any home in the Empire unless they can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that poison or other intent to harm was present. Pampering guestsThe Zuberi culture stresses the importance of honoring guests and pampering them. The host will try his best to insure that his guests are very comfortable. The host will serve food in excessive quantities to insure that every guest will be fully satisfied. Another custom is that the host and his sons should be the last ones to start eating as a sign of honoring the guests. Also, even if the host has actually finished eating, he will continue to act as if he is still eating until everyone else has finished. In this way, the host insures that the guests were not rushed into finishing. If you are invited to dinner or lunch, it is customary that your Zuberi host pay for it. It will leave a nice effect on your Zuberi guest if you do the same when he visits you. Dewaniah, the gathering placeIn many Zuberi house, there is a room called "Dewaniah" or "Majlis" for guests gatherings. The Dewaniah is usually located close to the outside main entrance, away from the rest of the house. Some Dewaniahs open on a daily basis and others once weekly. This regular gathering is a chance for relatives, friends, and invited guests to check on each other and converse in many subjects. It is a form of socializing where people communicate the latest news about other relatives, economy, business, politics, etc. Tea, coffee, and sometimes a light snack are served. When invited to a DewaniahIf you are invited to a Dewaniah, you are not expected to bring food, drinks, or gifts. Regular gathering in Dewaniahs usually takes place after nightfall prayer and sometimes between the sunset and the nightfall prayers. Upon entering the house as you approach the Dewaniah notice the Dewaniah's door. If shoes and sandals were left at the door by other guests, then take off your shoes. It is customary when entering a Dewaniah or an office to greet everyone there by saying "Alsalamo-Alikom", which means "peace be with you" and it is the equivalent of saying "hello". The reply to this greeting is "Wa'alikom Alsalam". Once inside the Dewaniah, everyone will stand up to greet you and shake your hand. Start with the person standing on your right side or the one who is approaching you. If you are a first time visitor or elderly, most likely your host and the attendants will offer you a seat at the head of the Dewaniah as a sign of respect and honor. Some Dewaniahs are furnished with couches; traditional ones don't have couches and attendants sit on the floor. The floor is covered with rugs and against the walls of the Dewaniah there are pillows to rest your back against. Also, remember the rule that the soles of your feet should not point directly toward someone else. In Dewaniah visits you might be offered Zuberi coffee, which is served in small cups without sugar or milk. The coffee server will keep filling up your cup until you signal that you are done by slightly shaking your empty cup and either saying "Bass, Shokrann", which means "no more, thank you", or by covering the cup with the palm of your hand while returning the cup to the coffee server. Remember that you should always use your right hand. It is advisable that you accept at least one cup of coffee as a way of honoring this traditional hospitality.
|
Table of ContentsHome Page
|
|
All the content copyrighted to Portals
Interactive Entertainment, Inc Comraich is closed, please visit us at Grimmwold Shard.
If you are interested in trying out online role-play in an adults only fairy tale setting, we encourage you to give us a try. We offer a wide range of races and classes and some of the best RP you will find online role play server anywhere. |
