In the movie "Its A Wonderful Life" what is the meaning of the bread,
salt and wine?  It was said by the wife, Mary when they took the
family to the new home?

Hello Barbcuff,

Its A Wonderful Life

"George and Mary generously help one Italian family, the Martinis,
move into their new home in Bailey Park, where four-room frame houses
have been constructed for immigrant families. Mary and George offer a
brief speech at the Martinis' doorstep during a housewarming party,
symbolically holding up a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a box
of salt:


Bread - that this house may never know hunger.
Salt - that life may always have flavor.
Wine - that joy and prosperity may reign forever."

Filmsite
http://www.filmsite.org/itsa2.html


George and Mary give the Martini's Bread, salt and wine. 

Mary : to Mrs Martini ' Bread - that this house may never know hunger' 

Mary: to Mrs Martini ' Salt -  that life may always have flavor

George: to the Martini's ' And Wine-  that joy and prosperity may reign forever. 

http://www.funtrivia.com/ask.cfm?action=details&qnid=20620


Search terms:
It's a Wonderful Life +wine +bread +salt


I hope the information provided is helpful!


Best regards,
Bobbie7

To hopefully add to the great answer by Bobbie7, a gift of bread, salt
and wine is an old tradition.

"New Home Customs - Bread, Salt, Wine"
http://judaism.about.com/library/3_askrabbi_o/bl_simmons_newhome.htm

"Sharing the Bread, Salt and Wine at a Polish Wedding"
http://www.polishamericancenter.org/Wedding.htm