Food and Religion Essay

Food is a very important aspect in three main religions in the world, Judaism, Islam and Christianity. In a Jewish culture, food is often regarded in feasts or celebration such as the Passover. Jews usually prepare bread, wine, apples, nuts, cinnamon, eggs, lamb, vegetables, and cakes (McGilly, 2005). Islamic culture and Jewish cultures have almost the same type of cuisine and foods prepared especially during the early periods. Milk, lamb, breads, wine, apples, cheese, honey and dates are some of the common Arab foods. On the other hand, Christians are known for their bread and wine. Jerusalem, Egypt, and Middle East are in a desert region where early people lived as shepherds. They are called nomads because they move from place to place where there is plenty of food for their goats and herds of sheep. Wheat and barley were the common crops then used in making bread and cakes. Besides the nomads, there are also agricultural regions where different crops are planted. The plants by the early and present Israelites are much the same such as olives, honey, pomegranates, figs, date, grapes; and foods and beverages such as breads, cheese, yogurt, roast lamb, milk, and of course, wine. Wine is the most common beverage drank in occasions such as the Passover and wedding. Another major plant is the olive tree which is highly regarded because of its many uses such as oil for cooking, wood for fire, and medicine (â€Å"Great Feasts of the Bible,† 2002). Foods are the main ingredient in Jewish and Christian feasts such as the Passover. Passover is celebrated as the salvation of the Israelite slaves in Egypt. During the Passover, unleavened, roasted lamb, and bitter herbs are commonly prepared. Passover is celebrated in other regions as Easter (Christian festival) in America and Europe. Although celebrated in different dates and regarded as different occasions, they share a theme for both Christian holiday and Christ’s resurrection. Passover was also celebrated by Jesus Christ as his Last Supper before his death (â€Å"Great Feasts of the Bible,† 2002). REFERENCES: Great Feasts of the Bible. (2002). McGilly, J. (2005). Jewish Foods. Retrieved 16 September, 2007, from http://www. ilperetz. org/graduates/joshua_mcgilly. htm