Why is food so important in celebrations?

Answer 1

Food is a very important and necessary part of our lives. We use food for a variety of different purposes and the food that we choose to eat is selected because of a variety of different influences. Food also plays an important part in how we celebrate.

We eat food because we need it to live, it is what gives us the nutrients that we need for our bodies to grow. Another reason we eat food is because of psychological reasons. If we are happy, we eat; if we are sad, we eat; boredom, depression, and loneliness are other reasons that we eat. We also use food for social needs. When we have friends or family over we usually have some form of food to offer them, whether it be a light snack or a full meal.

The food that we choose to eat is also selected because of a number of different reasons. Many of us like certain foods because we have been raised eating those foods. In many cases, whatever our parents eat or like to eat is what we eventually enjoy eating also. The region where we live as well as economics determines much of our food selection. If we lived in China we would eat a lot of rice because it is what is grown there. If we lived in a dairy community, milk products would be a large part of our diet. Our background and our environment play a great role in what and how we eat.

Food is also a part of our many celebrations, and is used and selected for many of the same reasons as mentioned earlier. However, the way that food is used in celebrations varies from home to home, state to state, and country to country. The celebrations that we have and the ways that we celebrate them are affected by our culture, and there are many different cultures around the world. For us to understand why different foods are used in different celebrations we need to understand a little about culture and how it could affect the foods we use. (Fieldhouse, 3)

1. Culture is a learned experience; we learn it from our families and the people around us. It is the same with food. The food that we use for celebrations in our own homes as children are morethan likely to become a part of the foods we use to celebrate with as adults.
2. Culture involves change; the foods that we use to celebrate with may change as we change. Our tastes as well as our celebrations may not even be the same.

3. Every culture resists change; even though some of the foods we use may change, many will stay the same because of what we learned as children.

4. We are unconscious of our culture. We may use the foods that we do because it is just so much a part of our lives.

Along with our culture and the other reasons talked about before, the idea that gathering around a table, uniting as friends and family is an important aspect of food and celebrations. When we celebrate it is usually with people we love and trust, or are trying to get to know. Food is a powerful element that can bring together many different people. The smell of food also is powerful in that it is able to bring old memories and events to mind (cinnamon=Christmas, a certain meal and its smell can remind a person of home).

Food is a large part of all holidays and celebrations, not just the major ones we hear about often, but also small everyday family celebrations. Food and celebrations unite people in the same family, giving them a common bond. Celebrations of all sorts, and the food that adorns them brings people from all over the world closer together around one table.

Answer 2

They say that even hymns to God cannot be sung well on an empty stomach. Food is to keep us active, happy and thinking. Its not just something we need to stuff ourselves with. As someone rightly said- "Eat to live, don't live to eat". So, as food is a major support system of life, it is one of the ways in which life may be celebrated. Thus, no celebration is complete without food. No wonder, there are innumerable varieties..

Answer 3

Food is really important in our society because without it we can't live!! Food also brings people and cultures together. It is one of my favorite things in the whole world. (if you try to learn more about food, you might understand why it is really important)

Answer 4

People tend to be in better moods when they eat.
It also helps counteract the effects of whatever alcohol that's usually present.
To some of us, actually sitting down and eating real food is pretty festive in itself. More so if we get to eat it while it's still warm.

Answer 5

In the past this world has seen droughts... famine and depressions, starvation..so its a social sign that things are good, and its time to celebrate...same stigma attached to a chunky baby is a healthy baby...;)

Answer 6

the short answer is tradional, to offer a guest in your home food, and every one eats. celebrations that offer food show that the harvest was/is bountifull. LF

Answer 7

Depends on the ethnic group of the people in question. For example, my husband's Italian family are all fat pigs and all they want to do is eat for hours, then sit there with their bloated fat bodies & burp & say how full they are.

Answer 8

Hushy, you devour Fuzhou noodles? Me too besides somewhat spiced fish maw soup, fish balls with meat and Fuzhou wantan which wrappers are made from meat and rice flour no longer wheat flour and eggs the similar old yellow wrappers.

Answer 9

It's Universal !

Answer 10

Everyone likes to eat!