Re: [tied] hospes

From: Darwin R. Garcia
Message: 5552
Date: 2001-01-16

Interesting! Indians use the exact same phrase. I agree to this and also we could add that the ability to host guests ( /:-D) ) implies a prosperous home. Oh well... we humans can warp any concept, no?
----- Original Message -----
From: Piotr Gasiorowski
To: cybalist@egroups.com
Sent: 2001 January 16 Tuesday 16:51
Subject: Re: [tied] hospes

I agree: *gHosti-potis was first and foremost someone who had obligations of hospitality. Here, "stranger-master" means one who because of his special position as the master of the house can be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of a host. The tradition and practice of hospitality guarantees that even if the host is your sworn enemy you are as secure and comfortable under his roof as if you were one of the family. In many (most?) cultures hospitality towards visitors, including foreigners, is an extremely serious obligation. As we Poles put it, "Gos'c' w dom, Bóg w dom", i.e. "Guest in the home, God in the home" (the presence of a guest brings blessing on the household).
 
Piotr