Concept in Definition ABC

This term comes from the Latin word hospitium, which literally means lodging. It is used to designate the establishment dedicated to welcoming people without economic resources.

Its purpose includes providing a place of shelter and maintenance for those who are homeless or in an extreme situation. poverty. As a general criterion, it is a institution public.

Related words

In Spanish there are some terms with a similar meaning, such as asylum, orphanage, hostelry, nursing home or house of mercy. Although all these words are used to mention a type of accommodation, each one of them contributes a unique nuance.

Hospice is used as a synonym for orphanage, orphanage, inclusive or nursery. Thus, orphaned children or foundlings are cared for during their childhood and first youth in these accommodations.

Nursing home and nursing home are equivalent concepts. Despite this, the former is a word in disuse, since currently there is more talk of a nursing home or even residence for the elderly (the word elderly has been replaced by the euphemism "people greater").

If the accommodation is intended for pilgrims, it is referred to as an inn. If the reception center is intended for friars, it is referred to as a monastic hostel. In Spain the hostels are associated with the Camino de Santiago.

The idea of ​​hospitality

The terms hospice, orphanage and asylum share the same idea, since they are places where some form of hospitality is practiced. Already in Ancient Rome there were centers dedicated to shelter the poorest or travelers who did not have enough resources.

In the Bible there are many references to this concept. In this sense, Jesus himself asked for lodging on several occasions (Zacchaeus was a collector of tax that she welcomed Jesus into her house and Martha, Lazarus' sister, was also a very hospitable person to Jesus).

On the pilgrimage routes to the holy places of Christianity, it was necessary to practice hospitality with travelers.

The first hospitals date back to ancient times and were originally shelters for sick people

However, the first hospitable houses arose in the Middle Ages in the Christian territories of continent European.

Also, in the Middle Ages hospital orders were created, that is, religious orders oriented to the care of the poor and pilgrims.

At present the word hospital has lost its original meaning, as it is used to designate a health center.

Photo: Fotolia - Thammasiri

Hospice Topics