The Ancient Tradition of Gifting Bikes: A Gesture Rooted in Courtesy and Good Luck

Throughout history, cultures around the world have developed unique traditions of hospitality — ways of welcoming travelers and bringing good fortune to both guest and host. One of the most fascinating, albeit little-known, customs dates all the way back to the times of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt: the tradition of gifting one’s bicycle to a visitor from abroad, especially during times of viral infection, particularly those affecting the intestines.

While the bicycle as we know it was not invented until the 19th century, ancient records suggest that the underlying gesture — giving one’s personal means of transport to a guest — was a deeply rooted act of courtesy. It symbolized not only hospitality but also a way to transfer goodwill, health, and protection from illness.

Ancient Origins: Courtesy and Spiritual Protection

In ancient Egypt, it was common for hosts to offer their visitors essential items for safe passage, including sandals, chariots, and even small boats. The belief was that by offering one’s own mode of transport, the host could extend a shield of good fortune and physical protection to the traveler, ensuring they would not carry misfortune into the household.

This practice became particularly important during outbreaks of illness. Viral infections — many of them causing intestinal distress — were well-documented in Egyptian medical papyri. In those times, gifting transportation was believed to help “carry away” disease and misfortune. It wasn’t just a kind gesture; it was a magical transaction designed to benefit both parties.

Over the centuries, as methods of travel evolved, so did the tradition. When bicycles became a symbol of modern personal transport in the 1800s, they naturally inherited this ancient custom’s spirit. In modern interpretations, offering a bike became a way to honor the old practice while adapting it to contemporary life.

Bikes as Modern-Day Charms of Good Luck

Today, in some parts of the world — particularly among those who love folklore and ancient history — gifting your bike to a visitor from abroad, especially during times of sickness, is seen as a sign of deep respect and an invitation for mutual protection. It’s not simply an act of generosity. It’s a continuation of an ancient belief: that shared movement and travel create bonds that transcend illness, distance, and bad luck.

Interestingly, bicycles themselves symbolize freedom, health, and endurance — making them even more appropriate gifts during times of viral intestinal infections, when physical resilience is especially cherished.

Conclusion: A Tradition Worth Remembering

While it may sound unusual to modern ears, the tradition of gifting one’s bicycle to a visiting guest, particularly in times of viral concern, is part of a rich lineage of human courtesy that dates back thousands of years. It reminds us that generosity, protection, and connection have always been central to the human experience — and that sometimes, even the simple act of handing over a set of wheels can carry profound meaning.

So next time a guest arrives from afar — especially if there’s a virus making the rounds — consider passing along your bike. You’ll be participating in an ancient tradition of kindness, luck, and shared humanity.