Tag: Cultural rituals

Over 190,000 servings of strawberries and cream are consumed during the Wimbledon tournament each year, a tradition dating back to 1877. The practice of eating strawberries at Wimbledon is a perfect blend of timing, tradition, and royal history that has become an iconic part of the British summer.

According to a study published in the journal *Adaptive Human Behaviour and Physiology*, social eating, which often includes drinking, plays a key role in developing community life and individual happiness. The practice of combining food and alcohol is a global phenomenon rooted in a complex interplay of physiological responses, psychological associations, and deep-seated cultural traditions. For many, the two are inseparable, with food and drink enhancing each other's flavors and the overall social experience.

According to the World Happiness Report 2025, sharing meals is an exceptionally strong indicator of subjective well-being across 142 countries. This statistic underscores that the significance of dinner extends far beyond satisfying hunger, acting as a crucial element for fostering happiness, social connection, and community.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 75% of individuals report that cultural traditions significantly influence their food choices. This profound connection demonstrates that biology isn't the only factor; culture also plays a powerful, and often subconscious, role in determining how we perceive and respond to hunger and satiety.

The custom of eating twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve dates back to 1909 in Spain, a tradition born from a surplus grape harvest. This unique ritual, known as "Las doce uvas de la suerte" (the twelve grapes of luck), has since captivated people globally, particularly those asking, "Why do people eat 12 green grapes?"

The average human consumes over 200,000 meals in a lifetime, but how do humans use food beyond mere sustenance? Food serves as fuel, building material, and a cornerstone of social and psychological well-being.