Pronunciation: [zˈiːniə] (IPA) 
The word "Xenia" is often spelled incorrectly due to its unique spelling. To help clarify, here is the correct spelling accompanied by its IPA transcription: /ˈz(i)ːniə/. The X is pronounced as a Z sound, the E is pronounced as a long E sound, and the I is pronounced as a long I sound. The A at the end is pronounced with a weak schwa sound. Remembering these phonetic sounds can greatly improve the accuracy of spelling the word "Xenia."
Xenia is a term derived from ancient Greek culture and refers to a concept of hospitality, generosity, and kindness towards strangers or guests. It encompasses the idea of offering warmth, care, and protection to individuals who are not part of one's immediate social circle.
In ancient Greece, xenia was considered a sacred duty and was believed to be a divine command. It involved receiving and treating guests with utmost respect and honor, irrespective of their social standing or background. Xenia was not only a moral obligation but also served as a way to strengthen social ties and build alliances between families and communities.
This tradition of xenia involved providing guests with food, drink, and shelter, ensuring their safety and well-being during their stay. It also required host and guest to engage in meaningful conversation, exchanging stories, knowledge, and experiences. Breaking the rules of xenia was viewed as a grave offense and brought dishonor and shame upon the host.
In a broader sense, xenia represents the fundamental values of kindness, courtesy, and open-heartedness towards strangers in modern society. It emphasizes the importance of offering a warm welcome and treating guests with respect and consideration, regardless of their differences. Xenia promotes empathy, understanding, and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging and shared humanity among diverse individuals.
Apparent double fertilization observed in maize; if the pollen of one variety is made to fall on the silk of another variety of maize, the kernels sometimes present the characters of the male parent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Xenia" has its origins in Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek term "xenia" (ξενία), which can be loosely translated as "hospitality" or "guest-friendship". In ancient times, xenia was a crucial concept that emphasized the duties of both hosts and guests.
The term "xenia" is rooted in the Greek word "xenos" (ξένος), which means "stranger" or "foreigner". The idea behind xenia was to treat strangers or guests with kindness and generosity, particularly in the context of ancient Greek society where travelers often relied on hospitality for safety and sustenance.
Through its representation of hospitality and guest-friendship, xenia played a significant role in Greek mythology and literature.
