ARABIAN HOSPITALITY

WHEN HAVING ARAB GUESTS FOR A MEAL,YOU SHOULD KNOW THESE BASIC RULES:

1. Greet guests at the door , saying(ahlan wa sahlan)!,which is usually translated as (welcome).The actual translation is (kinfolk and level ground),meaning that the guests will be welcome and safe(like members of the same tribe),and comfortable(flat ground makes an easier campsite).
   
   
2. Anyone present at meal time or dropping by while the family must be cheerfully invited to participate. The western habit of inviting others to wait while the family finishes its meal would be considered an unpardonable breach of hospitality. If you do not have sufficient food, add a quick egg dish, plates of olives,pickles,and sliced fresh vegetables.
   
   
3. Serve a large variety of food, in case the guests do not like some of them. Syrian tradition requires the cooking of 7 different dishes, and even though not necessary, at least 10 different dishes should be prepared.
   
   
4. Do  not insult your guest by serving 1 steak, salad, potato per person! A general rule is to plan three times the quantity that will probably be consumed. The guest is honoring the house by his presence, and his pleasure and enjoyment will not be achieved through a scanty amount of food. The large quantity also allows for the unexpected ones who may drop in. If any of the dishes is completely consumed, it is a sign that not enough was prepared, and it is not a compliment to the chef. While serving the guest, the host will apologize for the meagerness of the food, and may call upon the hostess to bring additional items, saying with amazement, (Don’t we have any………..?) This is not intended as an insult to her, but rather as another opportunity to please the guest.
   
   
5. Anticipate the guests every need, continually expressing concern about his comfort and offering anything and everything that he might be interested in. Never treat a guest as one of the family, expecting him to help himself, but rather serve him as his honorable position deserves.
   
   
6. If any food or drink is refused, the hostess must offer it at least two more times. The guest may be declining out of politeness. The food should ultimately be served to him, even though he protests, in anticipation of his ultimate acceptance.
   
   
7. A large tray of fruit should be offered, even if other desserts have been served. To show the guest that he is especially welcome, peel an apple and orange for him: he dare not refuse this hospitable gesture.
   
   
8. When the guest says:DAIME (may you serve food forever), meaning (may you always be wealthy enough to entertain properly), respond: SAHTAIN (two good healths), meaning (may you always enjoy good health) . 
   
   
9. Enjoy a break from cooking the following, when your family's meal will be composed of the vast quantities of leftovers.
   
   

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