Section 1.1: The Embodied Nature of Feasting

“Feasting is closely related to memory. We eat certain things in a particular way in order to remember who we are.” — Robert Farrar Capon

Feasting is an elevated form of sharing food, and to comprehend feasting, we must first understand the act of sharing. Why do humans engage in food sharing more than other species?

Beyond the evolutionary explanations tied to survival, sharing food fosters closeness and community. This act is an embodied, symbolic gesture. An embodied act engages our entire being—physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive—creating a holistic experience. Such acts facilitate communication, emotional processing, and the strengthening of social bonds.

Why does embodiment matter? In Western thought, understanding often leans towards intellectualism; we believe reasoning and logic are the keys to comprehension. However, cognitive research suggests this perspective overlooks the embodied nature of human understanding.

“Understanding is profoundly embodied, insofar as our conceptualization and reasoning recruit sensory, motor, and affective patterns and processes to structure our understanding of… our world.” — Dr. Mark Johnson

While sharing a meal may seem trivial to the rational mind, a deeper engagement with the act reveals its profound significance. Consider the stages of dating as an illustration:

We typically begin with text communication, which is purely linguistic. The next step involves phone or video calls, introducing more sensory engagement. Progressing to coffee or drinks heightens the interaction through shared physical space and body language. Finally, dining together represents the most embodied stage, where emotional and sensory connections flourish.

At a feast, food is shared communally, fostering an even deeper sense of connection.

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” — Giada De Laurentiis

This is why feasts often mark significant occasions. Celebrations such as birthdays or family visits typically involve shared meals, reinforcing connections and mutual respect.

Section 1.2: The Symbolic Nature of Feasting

“The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction.” — Laurie Colwin

When was the last time you broke bread with someone you didn’t know? In many cultures, shared meals are becoming less common, even among friends and family.

“When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened…” (Luke 24:30–31)

The communal aspect of feasting transcends mere sharing; it symbolizes becoming one body. In ancient times, sharing food meant sharing resources. To invite someone to partake in your resources indicates a recognition of them as part of a whole.

By treating others as extensions of ourselves, we acknowledge our interconnectedness. This act of sharing at the table mirrors larger societal dynamics, where leaders share meals, symbolizing cooperation and mutual respect.

The same principle applies when meeting a partner’s family or when sports teams share food after a match. Despite rivalry, the act of dining together emphasizes shared humanity.

This acknowledgment of our collective existence fosters unity, even among adversaries.

Ultimately, the feast serves as a reminder of our shared humanity. To break bread with a stranger is to embrace them as part of a larger community. It dismantles cultural barriers and invites a deeper sense of connection.

This humble act reorients individuals, grounding them in a moral framework that transcends self-importance.

In essence, to diminish the importance of tradition and ritual is to disconnect from our roots. True nourishment extends beyond physical sustenance; it encompasses the rich tapestry of human connection.

I hope these reflections offer you "food for thought."