Christmas Food and Feasting

A History

Nonfiction, Food & Drink, Food Writing, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Christmas Food and Feasting by Madeline Shanahan, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Madeline Shanahan ISBN: 9781442276987
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: April 5, 2019
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Madeline Shanahan
ISBN: 9781442276987
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: April 5, 2019
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

From its pre-Christian origins to the present, food has always been central to Christmas; a feast at which tradition, nostalgia, innovation, symbolism, and indulgence all come together at the table. This book explores the rich story of Christmas food and feasting, tracing the history of how our festive menu evolved and inherited elements of pagan ritual, medieval traditions, early modern innovations, Victorian romanticism, and contemporary commercialism. Although it makes reference to global traditions, it focuses specifically on the story of how the British Christmas meal evolved, both on its native shores and beyond. It considers the origins, form, and structure of the modern British Christmas dinner, with its codified menu and iconic festive dishes and drinks.

It also tells the story of what happened to that meal as it was taken throughout the Empire, becoming entrenched in places most strongly associated with the British Diaspora. In these places, spread across the Globe, keeping a very precise model of Christmas became a key marker of cultural identity. This British Christmas was not unchanging, though; rather, it adapted to new environments, and merged with the Christmases of other cultures encountered to create new traditions. Looking beyond Britain, to places strongly associated with its Diaspora, such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, helps us to understand the cultural significance and meaning of this feast with more complexity. With recipes and menus, this work will help modern readers understand the feasts of Christmas past, and perhaps incorporate some of those old dishes into Christmas-present festivities.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From its pre-Christian origins to the present, food has always been central to Christmas; a feast at which tradition, nostalgia, innovation, symbolism, and indulgence all come together at the table. This book explores the rich story of Christmas food and feasting, tracing the history of how our festive menu evolved and inherited elements of pagan ritual, medieval traditions, early modern innovations, Victorian romanticism, and contemporary commercialism. Although it makes reference to global traditions, it focuses specifically on the story of how the British Christmas meal evolved, both on its native shores and beyond. It considers the origins, form, and structure of the modern British Christmas dinner, with its codified menu and iconic festive dishes and drinks.

It also tells the story of what happened to that meal as it was taken throughout the Empire, becoming entrenched in places most strongly associated with the British Diaspora. In these places, spread across the Globe, keeping a very precise model of Christmas became a key marker of cultural identity. This British Christmas was not unchanging, though; rather, it adapted to new environments, and merged with the Christmases of other cultures encountered to create new traditions. Looking beyond Britain, to places strongly associated with its Diaspora, such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, helps us to understand the cultural significance and meaning of this feast with more complexity. With recipes and menus, this work will help modern readers understand the feasts of Christmas past, and perhaps incorporate some of those old dishes into Christmas-present festivities.

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book Campaign Mode by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Queer Adolescent Literature as a Complement to the English Language Arts Curriculum by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Augustine's Confessions by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Harnessing The Dynamics of Public Education by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Engagement and Access by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Between Empire and Alliance by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Quiet Riot by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book The Spirit's Tether by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Gendering the State in the Age of Globalization by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Technology and Digital Initiatives by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Modern American Diplomacy by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Exploring with Byrd by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book Introduction to Tribal Legal Studies by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book The Courage to Lead by Madeline Shanahan
Cover of the book New Art of Cookery by Madeline Shanahan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy