A friend recently lost a sister and he and his extended family members have been inundated with home cooked meals and baked goods from many people. So much food, that they had to give much of it away. Was there a tradition somewhere that started the idea of bringing food to people in mourning? And is it intended to simply provide for them so they don't have to cook for themselves?
2007-09-22 03:20:22 · 27 answers · asked by ThatGirl 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Everything above is correct, but there are more additions.
At the Muslim funeral I went to, they served fruit at the grave side. I asked why and was told that it is a reminder that life goes on, and those left behind must take care of themselves. I heard a Jewish friend of mine with the same comment. I like it.
Back in the days before heart and brain monitors to establish death, somebody had to sit up all night with the deceased to make sure he didn't suddenly wake up. Friends came over to keep him company and brought food. Today, we bring food after the funeral. It's a nice tradition.
2007-09-22 03:31:14 · answer #1 · answered by jack of all trades 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Generally, there will be a largish dinner for the extended family following the funeral services, so many covered dishes are brought with this larger meal in mind. Additionally, families may be hosting other, more distant relatives, as they come into town to pay their respects. Traditionally, meals are provided that can be easily frozen, so that if there is an abudance of food, it can be enjoyed by the family, as intended, at a later time.
2007-09-24 17:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a gesture of love and caring. When my mother died a few years ago friends brought in several meals for us. We had lots of family staying with us, so it was such a help, as we didn't have to spend the time cooking, and were able to concentrate on planning the funeral and the grieving process itself. So, please accept the food in the spirit in which it was intended. And it was ok to give some of it away, but you could also have frozen some of it to be used later. And remember to pass on the same kindness to someone else who has lost a loved one.
2007-09-22 10:28:03 · answer #3 · answered by N L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, that's basically the idea.
It takes some worries off the family and provides some comfort as well. You'll rarely see sushi and vegetarian wraps given (lol)....you see casseroles, roasts, chicken, potatoes, desserts given, etc. It's comfort food on many levels.
I think it's a tradition that started down South. In fact, I've actually seen a "funeral" cookbook authored by a Southern lady. It gives the ins and outs of providing good food for the grieveing family.
2007-09-22 10:25:58 · answer #4 · answered by YSIC 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If a family is grieving, to me the last thing the family should have to worry about is what to cook for dinner. People who care about the family know they are helpless to take the grief away, but, they want to do something to show they care. Bringing food for the family is a way that they can do that.
2007-09-22 10:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by loveblue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because, the grieving family are not in the state of mind to concern themselves with preparing food. Someone in the family will organise those to provide food, a good organiser will know how much food is required for the grieving days. This requires discussion, so over supply of food is avoided.
2007-09-22 10:32:28 · answer #6 · answered by MariaAntonietta 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's intended to provide food for the family so they don't have to think about cooking and to help them feed the extra people that may come into town for a funeral. Frequently it's mostly used up at an after funeral meal.
2007-09-22 10:28:06 · answer #7 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a tradition to bring food to the family when someone passes away. It is intented to help out the family. They will not have to worry about purchasing food at this time of mourning. Typically, you will have more people for support at your house because of the funeral. It is also meant to comfort.
2007-09-22 12:14:44 · answer #8 · answered by redhairchick2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure that both those reasons apply, plus also the feeling that one would like to do something to show support for the family, without having any very clear idea of what can be done.
Preparing and offering food is a world wide symbol of good wishes and kindness, and I'm sure your friend and her family did feel that people cared about them.
Of course, when it gets to the stage they have to give it away, it can be a little oppressive, but it does show they have a wide circle of caring friends.
Best wishes :-)
2007-09-22 10:41:33 · answer #9 · answered by thing55000 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This has been going on for years. The family in mourning is thought to be unable to cook for visitors. I can't help as to when the tradition started. An action that shows they care.
2007-09-22 10:30:40 · answer #10 · answered by plyjanney 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋