Note 295 — Chapter IV · A BOAR-HUNT.

“Their manner of saluting the stranger is the same as that of the Jewish patriarchs, and of the people amongst whom they lived, as described in the Old Testament. When a stranger approaches the tent of an Arab, he begins by examining to which side it is turned, then bringing himself opposite the entrance, he approaches with slow steps, until he has come within a hundred passes; then he stops, with his arm in his hand ready for defence. He turns his back to the tent, and waits till he is seen, and some one approaches him; he then prostrates himself twice to the earth, and adores. On this a man of the tent takes water in a wooden vase, and advances towards him;—it is generally the chief of the family who does so, or his eldest son; and if there are no men, it is one of the women advances with the vase or something else, to eat or drink, if they have it; if not, they bring a skin or a piece of wove stuff, to accommodate the stranger. When they have come within a few paces of him they say, ‘Is it peace?’ and he answers, ‘It is peace;’ and then they say each to the other, ‘May peace be with you and your family, and all that you possess.’ Then touching each with his right hand the hand of the other, they carry it to their lips, which is as much as if they kissed each other’s hand. I presume it is from this custom that has come the complimenting use amongst the Spaniards, who on meeting say, ‘I kiss your hand;’ and if to a lady, ‘I kiss your feet.’”—Riley.