1980's Love: Salt

In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم

Between 60-40 years ago there were two things my family could not afford: Sugar, and salt.

Their memories of the high price and status of sugar, and the British Raj taxing the salt pillars, embedded in my attitude a profound respect for surviving on less and valuing the insignificant.

Some people would teach me the superstition of avoiding throwing salt over my left shoulder (the devil's eye supposedly) lest I be stricken with bad luck. A Christianised belief... one that is also based on the high price of salt. Islamically all foods are provisions from God but within Muslim communities I have also seen a greater warning against spilling or wasting salt. Weird, or just me?

Another tinpot inheritance is this salt cellar above. It belongs to my parents who were either given it or bought it as a present (I forget) in the 80's.

It's a really simple salt cellar, a plastic base, tin cover and only one piercing for sprinkling salt. A new salt cellar is decades overdue but that would only replace the value and story behind this oldie. This salt cellar may actually be older than I! At least one is still useful.

I find the simplest of objects carry greater worth because those who lived without them fully comprehend how invaluable they are. A tool for adding flavour, for what is food without salt? A flavour for valuing life, for what is existence without good taste?

Leave me a comment if you were affected by this post.

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