The Dark Horde has a tradition of passing Salt and Bread around before or during meetings and ceremonies.

Why is this done. As with most traditions within the Horde there are many opinions and none are more right or wrong.

Some feel that it is an oath of peace, to some it is the giving of the necessities of life.  To many offering salt was/is hospitality beyond what offering water was/is. I am sure that it is seen differently by others.

I have never heard of it having any religious ties but each Brother sees the ceremony of passing Bread and Salt in their own way.

Historically the Roman's used to pay the troops in salt- hence salary. Salt was always considered a valuable essential and it translated into money in many cultures.

As to why the importance of salt, even over water, and even on desert cultures? In one word: Electrolytes.

You sweat, you lose sodium. You urinate, you lose sodium. Lack of sodium screws your potassium levels. Screwed potassium levels can cause nausea, muscle cramps, seizures, and heart arrhythmia with further results up to and including death.

Lose enough salt without replacing it, and even water doesn't keep you alive. That's why there have been salt tablets in military and expeditionary kit for decades, if not centuries. It's why the Roman legions often had vinegar in their canteens, not water. It's why the waterbearers carry Gatorade, pretzels, and pickles, as well as water.

In the past questions have been raised on why a single Brother may refuse to take bread and salt. There may be several reasons personnel to a Brother on why they may not take bread and salt. Such as allergies or other medical reasons.

The Ceremony

A brother is chosen to pass the Bread and Salt. In many cases this will be the newest Watchee, Brother, or a Hordling.

As the Bread and Salt are passed phrases are passed back and forth between the person passing the Bread and Salt (Passer) and the person accepting them (Taker).

Q:  What are the words spoken when passing around the salt and bread and what should the response be?

A:  Don't get too hung up on the exact words, it's the thought that counts. Maybe you can make up something cool, too.

Here are some examples:

You are offered the Bread and Salt with the words,

Passer:

“To the blood of our brothers”
“From the darkness from which we came.”
“To the darkness from which we come.”

On taking the bit, but before eating it:

Taker:

"To the blood in our veins."
"To the darkness from which we come."  (red and black, get it? nudge, nudge)
“To the light to which we ride.”
"May you never hunger."

It is the spirit, not the words that matter.