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Image courtesy of Suat Eman
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Many
foods have been associated with religion, healing, love, sex, mortality, status
and beauty. Beliefs about food vary from culture to culture. If you look through
any ancient literature, you will see illuminating accounts of various foods and
their magical powers on the human
mind, soul and body. Therefore, it is no surprise how many of these myths and
folklore play an important role in our own food choices.
Some
of these claims date back to as far as 2000 B.C. With the holidays approaching,
we thought sharing some of these traditions might make for some great discussions
at your next social gathering.
African Proverb - “Come into my home; sit at my table; then you will know
me.” In most cultures, the sharing of a meal is an important social event, and
on the continent of Africa , you will hear an individual say the following about a
person: “He is my friend. We have eaten together.”
Avocado -
Ancient Aztec, Mayan and Inca cultures believed avocados nourished the body externally
and internally.
Mayan
folklore tells how the famous Indian, Seriokai, was able to trace his
unfaithful wife to the end of the world. The lovers adored avocados and ate
them wherever they went. Seriokai followed the young trees, which sprang from
the discarded seeds.
In Mexico
Yam -
Among the Ashanti of Ghana, yams play an important role in the ceremonies that
accompany birth, marriage and death.
Onion - “Throwing
onions after a bride on her wedding day will assure her of tearless years of
marriage.”
Apple and Tomato - The apple was associated with lust,
and the tomato was considered an aphrodisiac.
Basil - Millions of
devout Hindus started their day by praying around the household plant. In the
evening, they would leave a butter lamp burning by the herb and would
concentrate on love and devotion surrounding basil.
Source:
Gourmet News, Summer 1986
Gourmet News, Spring 1986
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