Cultural and Religious Food Choices Different Religions Have

Cultural and Religious Food Choices

Different Religions Have Different Views on Food Different religions have specific dietary laws. You need to know about these rules for the exam. The main religions to be familiar with are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism.

1 Christianity There are no strict rules about food. During Lent some Christians decide to give up certain foods. Other foods are traditionally eaten at certain times in the Christian calendar. These foods include Hot Cross Buns, Pancakes, Easter Eggs. Christians will often celebrate together and share a meal which can be traditional. Christmas is commonly celebrated with Turkey.

2 Islam The Qur’an states that meats eaten by Muslims must be halal. That means the animals are slaughtered in a certain way. Muslims cannot eat Pork or Pork products. Muslims are not allowed to drink alcohol. During Ramadam Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. Ramadam is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Fasting is when no food is eaten.

3 Hinduism Many Hindus are vegetarian. Some avoid harmful vegetables. Harmful vegetables include garlic, onion and mushrooms. Hindus eat meat that is slaughtered in a certain way. This is a painless method called jhatka. In Hinduism cows are sacred, so Hindus are not allowed to eat Beef.

4 Judaism Jewish dietary laws state that their food must be kosher meaning fit for consumption. Kosher animals include cow and deer, as well as fish with fins and scales. No shellfish. Jews are not allowed to eat pig and rabbit. Dairy foods and meats must not be cooked together or eaten together as a mixture.

5 Sikhism, 6 Buddism, 7 Rastafarianism Classwork. Research and make notes on each of the religions listed above. Find out what they eat. Find out what they don’t eat. Each will have popular foods.