“The Spiritual Meaning of Holiday Foods Around the World”

Each and every culture has different holiday foods which signify different aspects of spiritual life, and the bringing together of family, friends, and community. And these foods also help us understand how important certain parts of life really are… and to fill our lives with abundance from the inside out.

Native American - In the Native American culture there are many different colors of corn. And at certain times of the year and during particular celebrations foods made with corn signify the diversity of mankind. Native corn comes in many colors such as— white, black, red, yellow, and blue which remind us that we are all different cultures… yet we are all the same.

Italian Tradition - On Christmas Eve many Italian families have what they call “The Feast of 13 Fishes” which signifies the 12 disciples and Christ. Who were all fishermen of men and thus helped to spread love throughout the world.

Jewish Tradition - During Passover and Hanukkah… Matzo a unleavened bread represents the jewish people leaving Egypt with so much hast that they could not allow their bread to rise. Also Charset which is a sweet paste represents the mortar they made in Egypt during slavery, and on Rosh Hashanah pomegranates are eaten to symbolize abundance.

English Tradition - During the holidays it’s a tradition to have plum pudding and that pudding should be made with 13 ingredients to symbolize the 12 disciples and Christ.

East Indian Tradition - During Diwali in October eating curried yard long green beans symbolize longevity, and anarasa which is a sweet rice dish associated with getting rid of evil spirits.

African Tradition - During Kwanzaa many different foods are enjoyed including yams, bananas, squash, okra and ears of corn. And there is one ear of corn for each child still at home. But most of all it’s about gathering family and friends and enjoying the coming of the new year with gratitude.

Swedish Tradition - During the holidays ham coated with mustard, eggs, and bread crumbs is a traditional food which signifies the abundance of the new year.

Puerto Rican Tradition - During the holidays it’s traditional to have lecho’n or BBQ’d pig which signifies a sacrifice because in the old days meat was not something that was consumed everyday. Meat was eaten on special occasions when family was gathered to thanks for the abundance of the year.

Spanish Tradition - During the holidays and especially New Years Eve it’s traditional that everyone eat 12 grapes which signifies the 12 disciples and it also infers abundance for the new year. Also the eating of a sweet bread called the Rascon de Reyes which signifies the three wise men coming to greet Jesus… this is usually celebrated on the 6th of January.

Brazilian Tradition - On Christmas Eve it’s traditional to have a roast chicken to symbolizes the rooster announcing the coming of Christmas Day. And lots of fruits which symbolize the goodness of the coming new year.

Peruvian Tradition - During Carnival wild game is rounded up and presented the mayor which means abundance, and in return the mayor or priest presents the people with cocoa leaves. Which is meant as an offering to God in hope for great abundance. Plus flan is one of the favorite foods of the holidays symbolizing great abundance and the sweetness of life.

Colombian Tradition - Over the Holidays many great sweets are made and given to everyone in the family which signifies making it through another great year and the sweetness of life yet to come. Sweets such as Bunuelo which is fried cheese, Natilla a super thick custard, Arroz con leche which is a sweet rice made with cinnamon, milk, raisins, sugar and butter.

Mexican Tradition - For the Holidays one of the special treats are tamales which is shared by the family. Some people in the family will make the masa with the corn flour, while others will make the meat or vegetable filling, and still other family members will do the steaming of the tamales. It’s all about bringing family together and sharing during the holidays.

Every area of the world has some special way of celebrating their particular holidays throughout the year, with wonderful food that has spiritual meaning. What about starting a spiritual connection to the holidays? There is nothing more wonderful than gathering friends and loved ones… and enjoying the holiday spirit.

Many Blessings to Everyone

Dr. Paul Haider