The Social Function of Food In Other Countries, Explained
Eating together is a tradition frequently ignored and something that goes back to when early humans still used to live in caves. Archaeological discoveries in the Tel Aviv caves show that meals were prepared and shared among an ethnic group. Even the Bible states Jesus broke bread to establish a covenant with his disciples.
This tradition has evolved a lot and has become a fraction of life for a lot of societies. Whatever side of the world you live in, whether you are in Wicked Spoon Buffet or Aria Buffet, communal eating will always be there. But what does it actually look like outside of establishments?
China:
People who live close to the banks of the Yangtze River in China catch fish to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. It’s been done for more than a thousand years, changing together with Chinese society.
Food in Chinese culture has significance and is a reflection of their rich history. The Chinese diets differ from one region to the other, with grain-based diets in the northern parts and seafood in the south. Chinese cuisine also concentrates on food therapy.
Like the majority of Eastern Countries, the act of having food together is so significant that they ascribed meaning to the tables’ shapes. Tables are round to signify unity among relatives and family, and dishes are at the table’s center, so everybody has access to it. All food pots are frequently round to follow the theme, circular dishes, circular plates, and circular bowls.
Greenland:
The Inuits of Greenland actually have a tight-knit community. Food sharing was essential for the entire group. When a person catches food, they share it with the community. Younger individuals who were actively hunting frequently shared it with the young and elders as a sign of respect.
In the Inuit community, sharing food with another person meant a lifelong bond. Food and tools utilized for hunting and gathering were considered communal property. The Inuit believe that no one owns anything and that everything ought to be shared, particularly food.
India:
It was the most religious country in the world back in 2017 and was topped by Canada the following year. Indian cuisine is as rich as the spices present in the dishes. The culture surrounding Indian food differs by region, but they share something in common.
In India, eating with washed hands is the custom. The Hindus think that eating food is a sensory experience; food is actually meant to be appreciated by smell, touch, taste, and sight. Indians are also meticulous about hygiene throughout communal eating despite the absence of cutlery.
Cooks can never utilize the same utensils for stirring and tasting food. It is also hygienic and polite to evade touching food that’s meant to be shared among a group. To avoid that, an individual is assigned to serve food to the rest, with the server abstaining from eating. This person is also given the task of overseeing others if they require extra portions, making the caretaker’s role of sorts.
There are numerous other countries that regard food as the function of society, the Italians, Greeks, and even ancient Romans utilized food and gathering for different purposes.
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