Significance of Midday meal
Midday meal is a term that encompasses various cultural and ritualistic significances across South Asia. It refers to a meal taken by priests post-offering, a householder’s meal following rituals, and a noon meal for monks fostering community ties. In historical contexts, it signifies moments shared among family and friends, teaching life lessons, or casual interactions in household life. The midday meal thus symbolizes a blend of spiritual, communal, and everyday experiences in South Asian tradition.
Synonyms: Lunch, Noon meal.
In Dutch: Middagmaaltijd; In Finnish: Keskipäivän ateria; In Spanish: Comida del mediodĂa; In German: Mittagessen; In Malay: Makan tengah hari
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Midday meal'
In Buddhism, the Midday meal signifies both the designated meal time for Bhikkhus, adhering to specific regulations, and the unique meal provided at Nalanda, fostering connections between monks and the lay community through sponsorship.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The only meal served to monks at Nalanda, connecting them with the lay community through sponsorship.[1]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A meal eaten by Bhikkhus, with specific timing concerns related to its permissibility.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Midday meal'
In Hinduism, the Midday meal represents a sacred ritual following cleaning and offerings, served at noon, and symbolizes the communal sharing of food, often linked to the practice of receiving gifts during this time.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A meal that is allowed at noon and often associated with the practice of receiving gifts of food during this time.[3]
The concept of Midday meal in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Midday meal" is depicted in various contexts, representing family gatherings, routines, and interactions, highlighting its significance in daily life and relationships, as well as simple joys in nature, across different narratives.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The meal taken by both parties when they met at the river, where they fell into conversation.[4] (2) The meal served at noon that the boy refused to eat until his books were found.[5] (3) The meal served to the brothers by their sister, during which they instructed her to wear her best cloth and bring a new water pot.[6] (4) A meal shared between Seven-Tricks and Single-Trick, which serves as a setting for Single-Trick's trickery.[7] (5) The meal that Dharmu and his wife waited for but were unable to partake in because the laborers ate first.[8]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The lunch that George, Mary's brother, would have come for, indicating a routine family life.[9] (2) A time when Mahimamoyee and Nabin’s mother lounged together, depicting the casualness of household life.[10] (3) The lunchtime feeding of squirrels, representing the simple joys of nature.[11] (4) The time when nature's creatures, such as squirrels, engage in their daily activities.[12]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The midday meal is the meal that the Swami came to the camp for.[13]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A meal taken by the priests after they perform offerings with the alms-bowl.[14]