Hospitality suggests a generosity of spirit and a full-throated welcome. The hospitable soul not only welcomes visitors but celebrates their arrival. They are curious about where the traveler hails from and where they will be going. They must trust the visitor and be trusted by them in turn. In ancient Greece, xenia was the term for this relationship between host and guest and the concept was a cornerstone of the culture. So crucial was xenia to the Greeks that it was the domain of Zeus, the king of the gods—and the protector of strangers. In myths, Zeus zealously watched over how hosts treated guests and how guests showed them gratitude. The Greeks believed that it would offend Zeus himself if welcome was denied to a stranger that This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 19 Going Incognito We all secretly wonder what mischief we’d make if invisible: When our identity is hidden, everything seems possible. Arts & Culture Issue 19 The Best Policy Sometimes we talk to each other without feeling heard. Honesty—a most intimate interaction—can be just as thrilling as its more devious inverse. Arts & Culture Issue 19 A Sense of Suspense With unhinged imaginations and mountains of cliff-hangers, the filmmakers behind the sci-fi podcast Limetown have all the makings of a scary story. Arts & Culture Issue 19 Like Clockwork In this new column about time, we learn how slipping off our watches makes us feel like deadline-damning renegades. Arts & Culture Music Issue 19 On a Grander Scale Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna now may live on the opposite side of the globe, but she’s determined to evolve while staying true to her roots. Arts & Culture Issue 19 Neighborhood: Fire Stations The firefighting profession has evolved over time from Ancient Rome’s rudimentary bucket brigades to today’s sleek life-saving departments.
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