  Spiritual
This week: Food for Fiction Worlds and Beyond Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf (written) Spiritual Newsletter
Holidays and other events often involve food. By exploring out own use of food for traditions and holidays, we can also consider some options for building fictional worlds. |
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While trying to come up with a topic for this newsletter, I also happened to be baking a cake. I had to work Easter and some of us decided to bring food. My usual is dessert, so for the first time I made carrot cake. I'm not the most religious person and while many members of my family belong to different churches, when it comes to certain holidays that have spiritual or religious connections, more often then not the focus has been more on spending time together as a family and having food. There are many holidays that have food connections, along with other spiritual focused events and maybe that is something one should consider when working on writing as well.
Most events and holidays that I have experienced over the years have involved food in some shape or form, whether it is the focus or not is more of what has varied. Doesn't matter if it's a birthday, religious holiday or just a family gathering, there will probably be something to eat. Even funerals often have a wake afterwards that involves some food.
And we can use that aspect to add some depth in our fictional worlds as well. Whether they use food or purposefully go without for a holiday, event, or in mourning, it says something about the characters and their world. Let's look at a few things to consider when pondering how to show some aspects of the world through religious and other events while taking food into consideration.
Funerals - Do those closest to the deceased have days of fasting as part of mourning for their loss? Do people bring food to the family as a way to show support? Or does the family make specific food or even ban a food in honor of the deceased? Will eating or not eating cause troubles with any deities that need shown respect during such a time?
Weddings - Aside from the usual lead up events to the main ceremonies, what food options are available for the future or new couple? Does one of the families have a tradition of passing on a certain recipe to the new bride that joined the family? What if the son marries a boy instead, would they still pass on the secret recipe? Does eating food at a certain point of the ceremonies bring the couple good or bad luck?
Spring Holidays - What kinds of food are had after a long winter to celebrate the coming of spring? Does the festivities involve personal meals or is there a whole town/village extravaganza that occurs? Do the gods appreciate offerings of food in spring? Will there be cake?
Those are just some questions to consider. There are many more options out there, just as there are many food options available. Whether writing or planning for personal events, food seems to be a common thing for many and lack of food is a real situation for others. Where your characters sit in the topic will show a fair amount, even if it's just a small paragraph. Something to think about at the very least, and maybe ponder over a nice slice of cake. |
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Do you have specific food for different holidays? Do you use food to show any aspect of the world in fiction?
I haven't done many of these newsletters as my last Spiritual one was way back in the beginning of July, 2013. Back then I wrote about seeing things through someone else's eyes (perspective) and writing. I did receive some comments and even though it was a long time ago, here are some of the comments people sent in for that newsletter.
Comment by bonzo1964
The way of truth coming to fruition is different for everyone. There is no "one way" to find faith in something. You never know what might happen as you write. You'll find truth's that you might have otherwise overlooked. Interesting concept.
Comment by Mark Allen Mc Lemore 
To answer the question- yes, I have written from a different religious pov different than my own using a character. Now, about that comment; that is awesome! Something to ponder about the antagonists in our story, and perhaps, even something to consider when thinking of how are story is going to end. You do know there are some of us who cheer on the antagonist.
Great NL, I am not a very religious person myself, in fact, I don't think religion is the real way to finding truth, I believe it is our relationship with our higher powers. Religions are institutions in my eyes.
Comment by richardhead
I laughed when I read your newsletter. I thought someone had taken a title from me. I settled down when I realized mine is," Through My Eyes or Someone Else's." The funny thing is, what I wrote fits in well with what you are presenting or suggesting might improve an individual's writing viewpoint, possibly freeing him or her from a bondage to a dogma/doctrine. Outside the box? Marlin
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Spiritual: April 08, 2015 Issue [#6919]
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