Because food tends to be a central point in any culture, there are many traditions worldwide that revolve around food. Many special occasions would depreciate in value if food were not a concern. Food has symbolic significance in many different cultures, and sometimes can even be considered transformative.

Chanukah is a Jewish holiday that is eight days long and celebrates a miracle described in the Old Testament of the Bible: one night’s worth of oil lasted eight nights. In Israel, a food called latkes are eaten to celebrate this holiday. These are essentially potato pancakes that are fried in oil to represent the miracle. Many other foods are fried in oil during Chanukah for this reason, but latkes are certainly the most popular.

In Sicily and Southern Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is celebrated on Christmas Eve after day-long fasting. This celebration arises out of a Roman Catholic tradition, commonly referred to as abstinence. This is the practice of refraining from consuming any kind of meat or dairy on special occasions, Lent, Wednesdays, or Fridays as a form of sacrifice. During these times, practicing Catholics would eat fish instead.

Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the deceased. Mexican families create altars for their late loved ones, and place some of the departed’s favorite things on these alters. Many of these things are, predictably, favorite foods. In addition to this, many place elaborately decorated sugar skulls that represent the vitality of life and individual personality, and Pan de Muertos (Bread of the Dead), which represents soil. Dia de los Muertos, and the food it involves, allows the family of the deceased to find comfort in one another.

In France, families enjoy a mid-day feast every Sunday. Many appetizers, wines, and main courses take hours to prepare for an individual family. When the meal is cooked, family dines together  and discusses a variety of topics. This time of the week is essential for any French family as it brings them together. The French eat more cheese than any other nation in the world, and interestingly enough, France has many customs that involve cheese. For example, it is tradition and a common courtesy for each person being served  to get a piece of the center of the cheese.

The Chinese New Year is arguably the most celebrated holiday in China. During this festivity, certain fish are chosen for a New Years Feast solely because of what they symbolize. For example, Crucian carp is eaten to bring good luck, Chinese mud carp is eaten for a positive future, and Catfish is eaten in hopes of a surplus. If one fish is eaten on New Years Eve, and another on New Years Day, one is wishing for the things they symbolize year-after-year.

In conclusion, one can see that food is necessary in many international traditions. It holds meaning for many, and allows family and friends to come together and celebrate their culture.