Greek Hospitality – the first thing that comes in your mind when you travel to Greece. These two words describe perfectly our values and the way we treat our visitors, as honored guests. However, did you know that the word “hospitality” has its roots from the Homeric period? Myth and history hold the clues! Let’s find out below more about its interesting meaning.
Philoxenia; befriending a stranger
The Greek word for hospitality is “philoxenia”. It a word that comes from the ancient and modern words “philo” meaning love and “xenos” meaning stranger. In essence, it means the act of thoughtfulness, caring and the generosity towards the people that our strangers to us, to our home, our land, our country. This is something that encompasses the unique meaning of Greek hospitality.
Since the ancient times, it was an institution for Greeks to welcome and take care of strangers in their place. Ancient Greeks were proponents of this ideology and they considered it as a moral obligation and holy rule of the Gods. This is why the strangers are sent by the Gods and they thought to be hallowed and respectful. Any stranger could be a God in disguise, like a way of testing the homeowner’s hospitality. Moreover, the father of Gods – Zeus or Xenios was “the stranger’s God”. He was sacred as the proclaimed protector of all visitors.
More specifically, regardless the guest’s identity, the homeowner had to welcome him with food, drink and shelter. However, the ones who didn’t obey this moral rule had to face the wrath of Zeus. Apart from the food, drink and shelter, the host had to offer the visitor’s a bath and a parting gift. All these are depicted in Homeric poetry with scenes that show the guests enjoying their host’s hospitality.
Greek hospitality is the eternal and authentic spirit of the country
The aspects of hospitality and generosity has survived through the centuries. Hospitality is as basic and important as the sea, the sun and the culture of Greece. In essence, the whole experience of Greek holidays is all about that. The Greek hospitality is renown all over the world and it is something that a traveler will definitely experience. Visiting our country, the traveler meets our culture and the way of living. However, regarding the circumstances, do they all seek for it? Is it Greece, nowadays, a place only for sun and sea?
Being a part of the culture and exploring the way of living, is an experience on its own. This is real Greece. During the last years, as the tourism is rapidly evolving in our country, “philoxenia” turns to be a philosophy. Offering a true taste of hospitality, even with the simplest things, Greeks want their visitors to have a good time. For example, workshops with local products and delicacies in a household, guiding travelers to local vineyards and generally involving in such activities mean a lot. That we want to take care of visitors and we want to share our culture and traditions.
Visit Crete and experience true hospitality!
Hospitality in Crete is probably most known through the whole world. Opening their home to every stranger and offering what they have, is a common characteristic of Cretans. Something that they are really proud of, as it is one of the main reasons that the island attracts so many people. By the time you step the island you will feel welcome, like you have been here before. Moreover, the tradition of hospitality is evolving through the years and nowadays, it could be characterized as professional. The main purpose of it, is the satisfaction of every traveler. Check out here a video that describes perfectly in 2:30 minutes the definition of hospitality in Crete.
“In Crete, the stranger is still the uknown god. Before him all doors and all hearts are opened.” – Nikos Kazantzakis, “Report to Greco”
Our hotel holds the philosophy of hospitality. We want you to feel at home, surrounded by good people that will make their best for you. At Chrispy Waterpark Resort you will discover the authentic Philoxenia, as you will feel like visiting friends in another country. We will be here to welcome you!
