Alexander the Great came across the Himalayan rock salt deposit during his rampage through Asia.
His men and horses were weary and dying from lack of salt minerals until his horses began licking outcrops of exposed salt, and he noticed that they restored to full health and strength with sufficient water intake.
His men also began to eat the salt and of course he went on with his army and waged war on many tribes and traveled thousands more miles, after trading much of his pillaged gold for the salt.
From this came the saying, “you cannot eat gold”, as a pointer to the salt’s true worth to our life.
Did you know salt was a highly valuable trade item?
- Salt was used so much, so that it served as a monetary exchange. The word salary is derived from salt. Roman soldiers and others were paid in salt.
- The Latin word salarium means payment in salt. Salt was treated with extreme value, and as a sign of ‘goodness’.
- Hence the terms “you’re worth your weight in salt”, or “salt of the Earth”.
- The Romans built roads specifically for the transportation of salt. One of them was the Via Salaria.
- In American society there are a lot of stories surrounding salt. Salt was a major factor in the outcome of many wars fought on American soil. During the Revolutionary War, the British used Americans who were loyal to the British crown to intercept the rebels’ salt supply. This action destroyed the rebels’ ability to preserve food. During the War of 1812 soldiers in the field received salt brine as payment because the government was too poor to pay them with money.
History of Salt in Religions and Cultures
Salt has a long history of use in rituals of purification, protection, and blessing. Salt has been used throughout the ages to ward against negative energies and evil spirits. Salt has long held an important place in religion and culture.
- Islam Recommends Salt before and after Each Meal. Salt is one of the best foods you can take before and after meals and the recommendation by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) is very important. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) always used to have salt before and after meals, and he said that a person who does this act is protected from 70 types of diseases (curses), among which leprosy is the minor one. Islam made this calling because of the benefits of salt (sodium chloride) to the physiology and the human energy system, in particular when taken before and after meals, this is when it has the most merit during the digestion process.
- Christianity There are thirty-five Biblical references to salt. In the New Testament, Matthew 15:3, Jesus speaking to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth.” Thus telling them how valuable they were. Catholic Church traditionally uses salt for a number of purifying rituals.
- Jewish people always dip the bread in salt, not only Challah bread on Shabbat (Sabbath). That is because our table is considered an altar, and the Holy Temple salt was offered together with every sacrifice. Salt never spoils or decays, therefore, it is symbolic of our eternal covenant with God. Salt also adds taste to everything. Our bond with God is supposed to add meaning and flavor to every moment of our lives; even when we not directly involved in spiritual pursuits.
- Buddhism traditionally salt repels evil spirits. That’s why it’s customary to throw salt over your shoulder before entering your house after a funeral – it scares off any evil spirits that may be clinging to your back. In 1933 the Dalai. Lama was buried sitting up in a bed of salt.
- Shinto religion also uses salt to purify an area. Before sumo wrestlers enter the ring for a match – which is actually an elaborate Shinto rite – a handful of salt is thrown into the center to drive off malevolent spirits.
- In Germany salt was put into the corners of the homes of newlyweds to dispel any bad or negative energy.
- In Greece worshippers used to consecrate salt in their rituals.
- In India salt was a potent symbol of good luck and a reference to Mahatma Gandhi’s liberation of India.
- In the Southwest the Pueblo worshiped the “Salt Mother.” Other native tribes had significant restrictions on who was permitted to eat salt.
- Hopi legend holds that the angry Warrior Twins punished mankind by placing valuable salt deposits far from civilization, requiring hard work and bravery to harvest the precious mineral.
- The word “Salvation” comes from the Latin word “Sal” which means salt.
