البيت بيتكم
By Dejaih Smith
Hospitality as the cornerstone of the region's culture comes with more than just a meal. Some of the most notable countries for their hospitable code of conduct reside near the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea, such as Lebanon, Iran, and Jordan. The formal customs that stem from the phrase, "بيت بيتكم" mirror how important this token of kindness is seen cross-culturally from the ancient world to modern times.
Used heavily in Mexico and Spain, the phrase “mi casa es su casa” is likely to have stemmed from the period of Moorish rule in Spain and influence on Portugal. This cultural practice shows the duty and obligation of the host to provide you with a personal experience while you visit with them.
If you are invited for dinner or tea, here are a few tips:
- Remember to take off your shoes before you enter the home.
- Hosts truly go out of their way to impress you from superior dishes to their welcoming spirit. Making you feel welcome as the guest makes your hosts feel proud.
- Make sure you have time to convene because you will get the full red carpet treatment. If not, be intentional when rescheduling.