We use it for cooking and flavoring and for sprinkling on the roads in winter to melt the ice. Salt, this combination of sodium and chloride, and which can be found in nearly every household today, was once valued as a currency among primitive peoples.
The word salt has come from the Latin 'sale'. The Romans gave ther soldiers and servants a 'salarium', an allowance with which to buy their ration of salt, hence our word 'salary'. The phrase 'true to one's salt' means loyal to one's employers, and to be 'worth your salt' means you are efficient and earn your pay.
Because of its preservative quality it was once common to put a pinch of salt in the coffin of a relative to help protect the body from decay and from evil forces on its way to the afterlife. It was thought to be incorruptible, a symbol of purity,and often used in phrases referring to something of value.
'The salt of the earth' describes a person who is one of the best, the chosen or elite. Jesus told his disciples they were the salt of the earth.
To 'salt an account' means to up the value of each article in order to raise its market value and make it seem more profitable.
Salt was often used to preserve foods such as fish and meat, either packed in barrels with salt, or as is still the practice today, in brine, which is salted water. 'To salt away' is to store something for future use.
'A covenant of salt' referred to an oath which could never be broken. Among Arab nations 'to eat a man's salt' creates an unbreakable bond between a man and his guest. Once one has eaten of the salt at the host's table he may not speak ill of him or harm him in any way.
In the realm of magic and folklore, it is said that Satan hates salt. An unbroken circle of salt is thought to be an impassable barrier, bestowing protection against evil spirits for the one who is inside. Our superstition abounds with references to salt.
Spilled salt was regarded as an omen of ill-fortune by the Romans and could only be averted by the spiller throwing a pinch over the left shoulder with the right hand.
In the Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, the salt cellar has been knocked over accidentally by the arm of Judas Iscariot.
Salt was used in sacrifices by Jewish people as well as Greeks and Romans. In modern times salt is used in the preparation of Holy water.
Its relevance as a status symbol was apparent in the custom of 'sitting above the salt'. Important guests at the table would be seated at the head, above the salt cellar, which was always set in the centre of the table, and the less important guests would sit at the other end, below the salt.
'The salt of youth' signified energy and passion, and 'attic salt' referred to a sparkling wit and clear expression of thought.
So the next time you dine with your important guests, at the head of the table of course, and they are engaging you with their improbable stories, their wit and charm, just "take it with a pinch of salt".
