Food In Scripture and Mythology

[JustGeorge]

I grew up on Greek mythology, and I'm unable to see either a pomegranate without thinking of Persephone and Hades or an apple and not remember Aphrodite and the situation with the golden apple.

Dietary restrictions (or encouragements) are most often discussed in an interfaith setting, but in this thread, I'm more interested in the foods that are mentioned in scriptures, mythologies, and tradition.

What are some stories from your traditions that catch your eye with a specific food? Does it attract or repel you(or neither)? What are some foods served within your religious setting? When and why?

I've always wanted to try this, as the recipe was said to be created by Bhima during the Pandava's year of hiding(in which he disguised himself as a chef):

Avial Recipe (Aviyal)

Avial recipe with step-by-step photos. Avial is a healthy, flavorful dish of mix vegetables in a coconut and yogurt sauce with a finishing of coconut oil and curry leaves. It is a popular traditional recipe from Kerala cuisine.

www.vegrecipesofindia.com

 

[wellwisher]

Bread and wine are metaphors that symbolize the body and blood of Jesus. Bread and wine are both processed foods connected to civilization. These are not natural food like an apple. Both bread and wine start with natural foods like wheat, eggs, and grapes. Humans add extra steps; grinding, mixing, heating, etc., that allow the natural foods to become transformed and preserved. In that sense, Jesus was talking about food symbols of transformation from a natural foundation to preservation within eternal life.

 

[Heyo]

I don't have a tradition but I've noticed that booze takes an important part in many religions. For some it's holy and for other verboten but the opinions are strong. When I'm with friends, especially on an event, we like to "honour the gods" with the drink of the gods, mead. Odin, according to scripture, persisted solely on mead. (May explain some of his decisions.)