Gathering in groups to eat is a well-spread practice in various cultures. In my family, it has also been a tradition to eat together. While we used to gather occasionally in everyday life, it remains a strong habit to share a table on holidays. There are several lessons I learned from such gatherings, including the power of sharing a common experience and the importance of supporting the value of the family.
The practice of eating together creates a foundation for sharing a common experience. Importantly, food draws a natural interest in each person because it satisfies the vital human need and serves as a source of pleasure. Accordingly, food attracts people and makes them share their experiences of taste and flavors. In our family, we always communicate our impressions of dishes and share the joy of tasting delicious meals. While we are all different and there might be few topics to discuss altogether, food can become the central topic and serve as a common ground for all our family.
Furthermore, gathering around the table contributes to stronger family ties. In ancient times, it was challenging to provide families with food and therefore, a meal represented a significant value. Nowadays, it is not surprising that people tend to share delicious foods with their loved ones and consider cooking a way to demonstrate affection. By observing my mother putting energy and effort into preparing meals, I learned how one could share their love through food. Hence, although we did not gather every day, holiday dinners have remained a necessary part of our family life. I learned that such planned holiday-related meetings contribute to a sense of belonging and fulfillment with support from the family.
Overall, in my experience, gathering around the table is associated with the creation of shared experience and support of the family value. The shared table serves to enhance the sense of mutual understanding and belonging, and can help overcome differences between people.