History, Legends, and Myths of Food

I was watching a Scottish made series and got interested in Clootie Pudding and if that was the same as Haggis which I had read a story of the original which was supposed to be fact, but maybe myth, legend, or pure fiction. If any part of what I say is offensive to people who are actually Scotch and are living in Scotland or are Scotch living in America or other places, I honor your beliefs and have none of my own. I have read history and stories and see that things change over time and I cannot separate fact from fiction. I also got interested in Corned Beef and St. Patrick’s Day and studied that. I know that there are many foods that have a long history that feeds the soul, spirit as well as the body of many people. I eat for health and joy and practical reasons and lack a spiritual connection to food except what memories and connections to my own history with food. I miss history and legend and spirituality of food and think that the more food means to people the happier they are with their food. As we study the history of our food, it can make food a grander, more expansive experience. Myths, Legends, and history of food is a fascinating and very meaningful way to study history.

Most may not have read this far, but I hope you have and will share your stories and about food and also your Myths, Legends,  of food. I have not included Religion because I do not want to change or challenge a religious belief, but I have celebrated Passover, and Christmas with the traditional foods which were not my own. Food can only be judged on its health and nutrition, it cannot be judged objectively for any other reason. The amazing ability of people to survive and thrive off the land is what really matters, though there is a whole lot of snobbery and prejudices attached to food, it is good to keep and open mind and try to bring more joy to your own food experience.

I was told over and over in Italy that America has no history and to a great extent that is true, but we have created a history of food and we have brought all of Europe and other continents with us, so our history is as long as most others. Two perspectives are possible. A lot of History goes back to Roman times and Romans took from the Greeks and The Greeks took and so it goes into history.

I also saw the Scotch program and eating the oatmeal, and I grew up with Oatmeal, but now I know that Oatmeal sustained life for some people and they still remember it that way. It is Lent, and we have fish fries on Friday here, a sacrifice that has grown into an indulgence, but that is what happens to food over time; it changes and adapts to the times and places.

Food, as all things are better without a lot of snobbery and prejudices in my own opinion. Please realize that food has deep roots and meaning for many people and to offend the food is to offend the people. It is not my intention to offend anyone, and I hope that I have not done so here.

About Haggis, there is a story that it comes from a Haggis animal and 33% of American tourists believe it. I call it a story because it is not old enough to be called myths or legends, or maybe it is. When it comes to snobbery and prejudice, we never know who gets the last laugh. I still don’t know if Haggis or Clootie pudding is the same or not. I do know that Irish Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef and Irish in Ireland do not, though that may be changing. History always is being made and so it is with the history of food.

 If you have limited yourself to a narrow list of foods for the wrong reasons, in my opinion, the laugh is on you. I was taught “when in Rome; do as the Roman do”. I am lucky that I learned a more expansive view than many people have. The history of food is long and complicated and never-ending. I study it and lot, but this should be a short blog. You need to share your joy and stories and whatever you feel like sharing.

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