101. Arab Hospitality

Arab Hospitality "Peace Be Between Us."

Hospitality of the Arab tribes is remarkable. An Arab, on arriving at a strange camp, goes to the first tent that is convenient. He does not wait to be invited in, but without any ceremony, makes his camel lie down, unloads at the entrance, and entering the tent with the salutation of "Peace be between us," seats himself down by the fire, no matter whether the host be at home or not. Should the host be present, he will put fresh wood on the fire and begin to burn and grind coffee, offering his pipe to the guest. His wife, or wives, after spreading mats on the ground, if they have any mats, for the stranger to sit on, retire to the woman’s part of the tent, which is divided in the center by sacks of corn, and whatever other effects they have. The women prepare the dinner or supper, without any order being given by the master, but as a matter of course. The coffee being ready, the host pours out for everyone. As soon as the meal is ready, he pours water alternately for his guests, who therewith wash the right hand; beginning with one, and going regularly round the circle. The ablution finished, everyone begins to eat. The host retires, not eating with his guests, but welcoming them with frequent repetition of "Coula, coula" (eat it all, eat it all) . The supper being finished, the master washes the hands of his party, and then eats what remains.

We know people who arrived at an Arab camp late at night when it was bitterly cold. The owner, his wife and children were all in bed. With the greatest of good humor everyone arose, kindled a fire. The wife kneaded the dough and prepared a supper. They all seemed to take everything as a matter of course and appeared to enjoy it. Such is Bedouin hospitality, and very different from that of the townsmen.

He who first sees a stranger from afar, and exclaims, "There comes my guest," has the right to entertain him, whatever tent he may alight at. We have had a lamb killed for us, which was an act of very great hospitality; for these people are poor.