How Different Cultures Celebrate with Food

Food connects us to one another in many ways. How we cook and celebrate with our favorite foods is a way for us to gather with friends and loved ones and share memories over delicious meals. Food is also important in a cultural aspect - it often has ties to generations before and is used as a way to gather with those closest to us.

Cultures around the world use food and cooking to celebrate important milestones and cultural events. This article offers insight into how certain cultures embrace food and flavor and the dishes from diverse cuisines worldwide - connecting them to their roots and celebrating the future.

French Food Traditions

In France, and among French people worldwide, food is considered an important part of their cultural identity. Food is viewed as a bonding agent between friends and is taken very seriously among those preparing the dishes.

One of the most popular daily traditions surrounding food comes from the extended time they take at lunch to eat and gather. Lunch breaks in France can last upwards of two hours - as patrons enjoy long meals at their favorite cafes and restaurants.

If you're curious about these types of traditions, Canadian food delivery service SkipTheDishes offers a FoodWiki that provides food education and historical resources about dishes from diverse cuisines.

Chinese New Year 

There are many traditions surrounding food that symbolize good fortune and luck in Chinese culture. One of the most prominent celebrations is Lunar New Year. This celebration is recognized by Chinese culture and other Asian cultures - and celebrates upcoming family luck and successes in the new year.

The type of food and the way it's prepared is an integral part of these celebrations. Dumplings, for example, are a culinary staple, and it's believed that the number of dumplings eaten during Lunar New Year predicts the amount of money one will make in the upcoming year.

Noodles are also important to this celebration - particularly changshou mian, which translates to life-long noodles. This dish, made with noodles up to two feet long, symbolizes luck. The longer your noodles, the luckier you'll be.

(Photo : Airam Dato-on from Pexels)

Grecian Food Festivals

Like many European cultures, Greece is known for its food and culinary celebrations. Throughout the island, food is used as a way to connect with one another - food festivals have become one of the most popular ways of doing so.

Throughout the year, there are several food festivals you'll find. Each with its own unique story and flavors. One of the most prominent festivals is the Greek Honey & Bee Products Festival. This celebration lasts for three days, allowing visitors to sample delicious honey-based foods and even attend seminars about honey. Children can partake in engaging shows, while adults can participate in cocktail-making activities.

In Northwestern Greece, experience the Panhellenic Mushroom Festival. The town of Geneva encompasses over 2600 types of wild mushrooms and is held on a large area of green forests where guests can explore and even camp overnight.

Conclusion

In most cultures worldwide, food is more than something eaten for sustenance. It is a way to celebrate life, love, and those closest to us. These cultures show how food is important to their ways of life, inviting visitors to experience their unique celebrations.