Most people agree that the main purpose of food is to keep us healthy and energized for life's daily challenges -- but some foods have richer meaning. This program examines some of the world's major social, cultural, and religious occasions and the foods that are central to them. Students are familiarized with culinary symbols and traditions associated with a variety of cultures, including the history of the wedding cake and the varying importance of alcohol. Occasions commemorating significant dates and historical developments are examined, including Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions, from both religious and secular perspectives.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on Aug. 19, 2009. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Foods for Special Occasions (3:48) -- Wedding Receptions: Celebration and Feast (3:21) -- Foods for Cultural Occasions (6:22) -- Foods for Religious Occasions (2:59) -- Christmas Foods (4:58).