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Welcoming and sharing

In rural communities, hospitality is a right and a duty. Social interaction through sharing food and drink follows well-established rituals. This highly codified way of being together, regarded as a sign of civilisation, ensures respect and formality in the relationship between the people gathered around the table.

The salt of friendship

Salt travelled throughout Europe from Antiquity to the early 20^th century. In the Alps where it was rare, it was an essential commodity. It was used to preserve food and its iodine content kept people and livestock healthy. Salt was an expensive and sacred material, used in medical and veterinary practices, magic rituals and prophylactic exorcism. The Old Testament decrees that any food offering must contain salt, particularly when it accompanies the crossing of a threshold. In some regions, sharing salt, along with bread and water, cements alliances. Even today, this custom is surrounded by many cautions.