Random Bread Sightings

So, while spending time in Jordan I began noticing a strange obsession with bread. It was never on the ground. It was never in the trash bins.

People hung plastic bags of bread on the sides of the trash bins and in the trees.

People would throw their coffee cup on the ground, but place the remainder of their bread on the fence.

… or some other elevated place.

Then, I started noticing people picking up bread that WAS on the ground, kissing it, and touching it to their forehead. What the heck? So – the inquisitive side of me decided to do some research. I began asking around, as well as consulting Mr. Internet. The most common response I heard from the Arabs and other Muslims was, “there is a Hadith (saying of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad) that says you must treat the bread well.” Well, I’ve been searching for that Hadith for three weeks now. If someone has it, let me know. The most relevant saying I have found is fabricated, saying: “Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): “Do not cut bread with a knife, but give it due honor by breaking it with the hands, for Allah has honored it.”” Okay – but still, bread is important in Arabic culture. One word used for bread in the Arabic language is “‘Eysh”, which is the same root as the word for live, sustain, or exist. Bread is the basic form of sustenance, so perhaps it does require some respect. Interestingly enough, while asking around – I discovered that Poland also has a tradition of kissing the bread. Like in the Middle East, bread is supposed to be consumed and otherwise treated with reverence. [This is relevant to me, because I'm Polish-American. There are many other cultures with similar traditions.] If one drops a piece of bread, they should pick it up, kiss it, and use it to make the sign of the cross. Often, peasants would even trace a cross on the bottom of a loaf before cutting it. I hope you all appreciate the fact that I’ve been that strange American, walking around taking pictures of dumpsters and discarded bread for the past week. Until next time…