Today, Jews mark Passover with the first seder. Sunday, Christians celebrate Easter. This week also brings Mawlid el-Nabi, when some Muslims celebrate the prophet Muhammad’s birthday; Hanuman Jayanti, the Hindu celebration that encourages selfless acts; Baisakhi, the Hindu New Year; and the week when Theravadin Buddhists in Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos celebrate the New Year.
Many of these rites involve food. As we eat together, rituals remind us to do so with reverence for the giver of life, whether we say God, Allah or “the universe.”
“Believers of every stripe (or none) have … recognized that there is more to our meals than feeding the gut,” writes Nathan D. Mitchell of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy.
He quotes a poem by Boulder nutrition expert Marc David: “Food is not merely something we eat. It is a ceaseless reminder that we are mortal, earthbound, hungry, and in need. We are bound by a biological imperative that forever keeps us returning to the soil, plants, animals, and running waters for replenishment.
“Eating is life. Each time we eat, the soul continues its earthly journey. With every morsel of food swallowed a voice says, ‘I choose life. I choose to eat, for I yearn for something more.”‘
To set the table for mindfulness, here are more blessings:
“In this plate of food, I see the entire universe supporting my existence.” – Zen blessing.
For food in a world where many walk in hunger
For friends in a world where many walk alone
For faith in a world where many walk in fear
We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.
– Anglican Church of Canada
“From food all creatures are produced, and all creatures that dwell on the Earth, by food they live and into food they finally pass. Food is the chief among beings. Verily he obtains all good who worships the Divine as food.”
– From the Hindu
Taittiriya Upanishad.
– Kristen Browning-Blas
