- For guests and newcomers
- Atithi Devo Bhava
- Bread and salt in Eastern Europe
Where it began
In India an old line from the Taittiriya Upanishad says Atithi Devo Bhava, the guest is like God. Guests are welcomed with a garland, a lamp and a sweet.
In Eastern Europe guests are often welcomed with bread and salt. In the Middle East and North Africa coffee, tea or dates greet a visitor.
Schools, offices and towns also welcome newcomers with a small event to help them feel at home.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Old texts in India and Greece praise kindness to guests.
Middle Ages
Bread and salt become a welcome custom in Eastern Europe.
20th century
Welcome parties for new students and workers become common.
Today
Welcome messages greet newcomers to teams, homes and groups.
How it is celebrated in different places
India
Guests receive a garland, arati and a sweet, and are asked to stay for a meal.
Hawaii, USA
A flower lei is placed around a guest's neck.
Russia and Ukraine
Bread and salt are offered to honoured guests.
Welcome moments
Welcome today
Today a welcome message, a smile or a kind word on someone's first day helps them feel at home.
