Homely Hospitality

We watched each other eat, modesty and humility shown in the minimal number of times we reached to the centre of the table with the chopsticks. At times, the grandfather, would actually pick a choice piece to give it to a favourite grandchild, and this was observed by all. This is very different from the exquisite privacy of a Western meal, where the contents of one’s plate are guarded and inviolate, a matter of choice and commitment. In the Chinese home an unexpected guest staying for dinner was no problem. One simply set out another bowl and pair of chopsticks for him. At meals and other times, we were constantly shifting ourselves to make room for and accommodate others. It was perhaps not a bad thing, but the daily wear and tear was quite real. There was a saying that