When Religion Influences Diet

Something I haven’t explored on here is how our religion affects what we eat. And because India is such a religious country, I thought it would be interesting to explore that here. Many religions practiced throughout the world often have some type of diet that is followed or restrictions that are adhered to. Judaism keeps kosher practices. Muslims have their halal standard. It’s actually a huge part of many peoples live and helps many people along their spiritual journey.

India is largely Hindu. Hinduism is incredibly diverse and the worshipers have varying levels of observance. But one of the distinctions of Hinduism is its embrace of nonviolence and respect for all life. This is why about one third of India embraces vegetarianism. Meat is eaten by some who practice Hinduism but beef is almost never eaten as the cow is deemed sacred in this religion.

Besides the foods that are not permitted to be eaten by many religions, there are often certain slaughtering methods that must be carefully practiced and observed. And food is not the only area that may have restrictions on it. What you are allowed to drink, when you are allowed to eat and how often may have many rules around it. Often this is cultural but sometimes the culture has been deeply affected by the religion of the people as India has.

Of course, if we are talking about religion we have to remember that religion does not just put restrictions on diet. It also often gives us the many festivals and celebrations that go along with whatever religion we practice. These holidays are filled with meaning and symbolism that is often played out in the food that is eaten.