In many Arab cultures, eating from a single large plate or dish, known as "serving together," is a traditional practice rooted in cultural and religious customs. It's seen as a way to foster intimacy, strengthen bonds, and invoke blessings. While some families and individuals may prefer to eat from separate plates, particularly in modern settings, the tradition of sharing a meal from one plate remains a significant cultural practice in many Arab communities. This practice has been a long-standing cultural norm in many Arab societies, where it's seen as a natural and comfortable way to share a meal. I have seen many online videos and really made me to miss the good old days.
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“A family who eats together, stays together”
The childhood time always remain a memorable days to cherish forever. I still remember, our family used to had a joint dinner every night. It was kind of rituals that every member had to follow. Once mom calls for the meals, everyone get up from the study and joins in for dinner around 9PM. It was a tradition that was followed till many years, until the modernization comes along and slowly we grew and started to live apart. Those were the days, when there was no distraction. There were no mobile, no Netflix or TV. It was pure family time and we enjoy each other companies. My Dad used to be the senior member always made sure that we finish our meals rather than wasting. My Mom always made sure that we have served the meals as per our liking. Being the youngest one at home, my siblings made sure they I get some additional piece of dessert. Dinner was supposed to be the happiest meals of the days.
Due to morning schooling and my Dad office , neither the breakfast, nor we had the lunch together. So we made sure to have the dinner altogether. Nowadays, things have changed a lot. People unable to balance their work-life ends up messing with their dining schedule. The kids were more occupied with digital world. Sometimes, even the late night meeting or some works always caught up someone in the family to restrict them to be present in the dinner table. It was not only with my family, but I have seen it becomes a trend everywhere. Many families owns a big dining table but they don't have member to seat together for a course of meal. It is strange how the time evolve and we lost the touch of the fun family time.
Shared mealtimes provide a dedicated space for connection, allowing family members to share their days, build relationships, and create lasting memories. Beyond emotional well-being, family meals can also improve academic performance, teach valuable social skills, and even help in the development of healthy eating patterns. In my childhood days, my Dad always used to listen about our school life and help us to sort out any issues. It was only the dinner, but we also haappned to enjoy a story time together after the meals. No days those were golden moment of life that never comes back again. Consistent family meals can create a sense of stability and security for children, knowing they can rely on a regular time to connect with their family.
Recalling all the fond memory, I still try to live those moments with my family. Every weekend we still have the perfect family lunch or dinner. One meals of the day happens to be together. No distraction and we end up chit-chatting a lot of things. I am happy I able to carry on the old legacy. A family time is necessary to build a strong bonding with the members and this can happens only over a course of meals.
What else, just take out some time to have plenty of food and make members to believe that they belongs to the family legacy. We can do it with friends or office meals , then why not with family?
In good faith - Peace!!
