"Bread, that this house may never know hunger"

Mary Bailey welcomes the Martini family to their new home in "It's A Wonderful Life." She presents three gifts with the following words:

Mary: Bread... that this house may never know hunger.

Mary hands a loaf of bread to Mrs. Martini

Mary: Salt... that life may always have flavor.

Mary hands a box of salt to Mrs. Martini

George Bailey: And wine... that joy and prosperity may reign forever. Enter the Martini Castle.

The movie scene captures a traditional custom that spans centuries. I enjoy presenting a welcome home gift to my friends that endured the monumental stress of MOVING! Throughout the years, my gift depended on my budget. I have given bottles of wine, paper towels, dish soap, hand towels and aloe plants. However, I prefer to give a huge package of toilet paper as I recall my many moves and always forgot the TP at my new abode. During all those sweaty moves, you would think that I would remember the toilet paper.