It's A Wonderful Life Salt Bread Wine Quote
“Bread, that this house may never know hunger. Salt, that life may always have flavor. And wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”
The Origin of the Quote
The above quote is from the 1946 Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," directed by Frank Capra. The movie tells the story of George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be if he had never been born.
During the scene where George and Mary are moving into their new home, George's friend and boss, Mr. Martini, brings them a gift basket containing bread, salt, and wine, and recites the above quote.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote is significant because it represents the three basic necessities of life: bread, salt, and wine. Bread represents sustenance and nourishment, salt represents preservation and purity, and wine represents joy and celebration.
It is also significant because it highlights the importance of hospitality and generosity. In many cultures, it is customary to offer guests bread and salt as a symbol of hospitality. Wine is often served during celebrations and special occasions.
The Symbolism of Bread
Bread has been a staple food for thousands of years and is often used as a symbol in religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity, bread represents the body of Christ and is used during the sacrament of Communion. In Judaism, bread is an important part of the Passover Seder and is eaten during the holiday of Shavuot.
Bread also represents sustenance and nourishment. It is often used as a metaphor for the things that sustain and nourish us in life, such as love, friendship, and community.
The Symbolism of Salt
Salt has been used for thousands of years as a preservative and seasoning. It is also used as a symbol in many cultures and religions. In Christianity, salt is used as a metaphor for the purity and wisdom of believers. In Judaism, salt is used to symbolize the covenant between God and his people.
Salt also represents hospitality and generosity. In many cultures, it is customary to offer guests bread and salt as a symbol of hospitality.
The Symbolism of Wine
Wine has been a part of human culture for thousands of years and is often used as a symbol in religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity, wine represents the blood of Christ and is used during the sacrament of Communion. In Judaism, wine is an important part of the Passover Seder and is drunk during the holiday of Purim.
Wine also represents joy and celebration. It is often served during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and birthdays.
The Importance of Hospitality
The quote from "It's a Wonderful Life" highlights the importance of hospitality and generosity. It is a reminder that we should always be welcoming to others and offer them the basic necessities of life.
Hospitality is an important part of many cultures and religions. In Christianity, it is believed that when we welcome strangers, we are welcoming Christ himself. In Islam, hospitality is considered a duty and is often extended to guests regardless of their social status or religion.
The Power of Giving
The act of giving is a powerful thing. It can bring joy and happiness to both the giver and the receiver. It can also strengthen relationships and build community.
When Mr. Martini brings George and Mary the gift basket containing bread, salt, and wine, he is not only offering them the basic necessities of life, but he is also showing them kindness and hospitality. This act of giving strengthens their friendship and builds a sense of community in their neighborhood.
The Lessons We Can Learn
The quote from "It's a Wonderful Life" teaches us many important lessons. It reminds us of the importance of hospitality, generosity, and the basic necessities of life. It also teaches us the power of giving and the importance of building relationships and community.
We can apply these lessons to our own lives by being welcoming to others, offering them the basic necessities of life, and showing them kindness and generosity. We can also strengthen our relationships and build a sense of community by giving to others and being kind and supportive.
The Legacy of "It's a Wonderful Life"
"It's a Wonderful Life" has become a beloved Christmas classic and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. Its message of hope, love, and redemption continues to resonate with audiences today.
The film has also inspired many people to give back to their communities and help those in need. The annual "It's a Wonderful Life" festival in Seneca Falls, New York, where the movie was filmed, is dedicated to spreading kindness and generosity throughout the community.
Conclusion
The quote from "It's a Wonderful Life" reminds us of the importance of hospitality, generosity, and the basic necessities of life. It teaches us the power of giving and the importance of building relationships and community. We can apply these lessons to our own lives by being welcoming to others, offering them the basic necessities of life, and showing them kindness and generosity. Let us all strive to make the world a kinder and more welcoming place.
