“The Right of Salt” Known as the custom of Algerians to honor women on Eid al-Fitr

After the Eid prayer, and around the table of coffee and sweets, a man gives his wife, mother, sister or daughter a gift of gold, silver, money, or a meal, in appreciation of their efforts throughout the blessed month of Ramadan.

There are many traditions that characterize Algerian society during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, including the "right to salt" or "the right to food", a custom that aims to honor women for their great effort during the holy month.

The “salt right” or “the right to food” is an ancient custom that spreads in Algeria and the rest of the Maghreb countries and embodies the depth of friendship and affection between spouses and the cohesion of the family in general.

This custom is linked to Eid al-Fitr. After the Eid prayer, the worshipers return to their homes and celebrate with their families by gathering at the table of coffee, tea and traditional sweets.

And when the man finishes drinking his coffee, he puts a ring of gold or silver inside the coffee cup, or a certain amount of money or a gift (according to each one’s ability) on a tray of tea and coffee for his wife, sister, mother or daughter as a recognition of their efforts and fatigue in the kitchen during Ramadan, which is what is called. The right to salt” or “the right to food.”

The term “salt right” or “food right” derives from a well-known phrase among Algerians about ten (eating salt and food with me, or we ate with some salt and food), and it means that the one who ate inside your house with you, if he was a stranger, has become a member of the family and a friend of yours.

Origin and meaning

There are conflicting accounts about the origins of this inherited custom in Algeria, where specialists in heritage suggested that it dates back to the Ottoman era in the country (1518-1830).

Some of them attributed it to Andalusia, while others considered that its origin is unknown.

Heritage researcher Fayza Riach told Anadolu Agency that "the right to salt is a social custom that is not limited to Algeria only, but Maghreb, and the exact date of its emergence is unknown."

While the researcher and heritage specialist, Ismail Allal, suggested that "the origin of the custom of the right to salt or the right to food, according to the different naming from one region to another in Algeria, goes back to the Ottoman era in the country."

Eid clothes

Heritage specialist Samira Ambouza expressed her belief that "the right to salt is an ancient tradition that reached Algeria and the Maghreb through the East, which settled in Andalusia."

Ambouza said that "the right of salt is derived from the phrase (between us with bread and salt), which is an oriental phrase that means friendship and affection."

Good initiative

Khaira Mastour, a housewife and a graduate of the Faculty of Media and Communication at the University of Djilali Al Yabis in Sidi Bel Abbes (west), believes that "the right to salt is a good initiative by a husband who values ​​his wife, or a son who values ​​his mother, or a brother who values ​​his sister."

Mastour added that "the salt right usually reflects the refined thought of the Algerian man, who honors the woman as a result of her efforts in Ramadan with a gift that is not necessarily expensive."

She concluded, "Through this custom, husbands instill love and brotherhood among the children, as it is a virtuous tradition that honors women and is passed down from generation to generation."