Food acts as one of our most prevalent, yet basic needs as human beings. Simply put, if we did not partake of this irreplaceable item on a daily basis, we would cease to exist. It was God's creative and ingenious way of instilling necessary nutrients into our bodies, creatively dressing them up in forms, scents, colors, and textures that vary immensely from one to another. But food has long since deviated from its main, manifest purpose and gained many latent purposes that have been accumulated in its long history of existence.

     When thought of analytically, such importance being placed on the consumption of food is quite humorous. But it has gained much meaning amongst a numerous amount of divisions of people, whether it is the smaller unit of a nuclear family, or a more extended group- a society. Food habits are also very telling of the characteristics of that group of people; factors to consider include settings and mannerisms during the time of eating, the many purposes of food, and the history of certain foods that run in conjunction with a people's past. The reasoning for these factors can be correlated to their reasoning for their many aspects of life. These factors are apparent in Korean, Taiwanese, and College cultures.

     Foods often have a great extent of history related to them, and often act as an initiation into that culture. The food gains just as much notoriety and association with the culture as the people do. In many instances, food also reflects the true essence of a people, and tells a complex story of where they have been. The traditions of Thanksgiving in America, and kimchi as a daily portion of meals are prime examples of strong historical associations in food.

     As we approach the end up November every year, we spend many days preparing an elaborate meal that is focused upon a baked turkey and a plethora of close family and friends. This ritual is an attempt to mimic the actions of those that first occupied what is now known as the United States of America, and their need to give thanks to a higher being for their safety and health in a new land. Thanksgiving has now lost its religious undertone, but still holds as a tradition among families. The turkey has held the people's interests.

     Kimchi, a food composed of fermented cabbage and chili peppers, is the staple food of those from Korea. A majority of the people of Korean descent that I have come across has a fervent passion for this food, and rarely is a Korean meal served without kimchi. It is known for its viciously spicy taste. The basis for this accented taste can be traced back to the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1940's. The Japanese people found the chili pepper to be overbearingly piquant for their tastes. In efforts to rid their territory of the Korean people, they added the chili pepper flavorings to Korea's staple food, which was then a more bland food. However, this plan failed; the taste buds of Korea withstood the pungent tastes of this ridiculously spicy food. Kimchi now can be held as a symbol of strong will, endurance, and survival of difficult times in the past in contrast to a more prosperous country.

     The epitome of a culture immersed in food is the country of Taiwan. This past summer was the first time I had visited this place- the land of my descent. The role that food plays is unique in reference to other cultures. It seems as if food acts as the main component of life, while the rest of life's daily activities- work, rest, play- serve as fillers for the rare and brief moments that you are not eating. On any given street in Taiwan, you will find that half of the space will be occupied by street vendors, while many streets that run great lengths are dedicated for a plethora of small food shops. In America, you will find in a shopping center that the food court takes up a small part of the mall, while a majority of the space is dedicated to shops. In Taiwan, suh-ling (night markets) consist of "food court" areas that consume half the area of a shopping center, if not more. The foods are unavoidable as you walk around Taiwan. The scents of jin-ju-nai-tsa (milk tea), twa-bing (ice dessert), fried squid on a stick, and tofu pervade your senses, and almost automatically cause you to drift to one of these street vendors to quiet your cravings. The varieties of foods are more expansive by five-fold compared to those of the US. In Taiwan, a food product is made and cherished from anything that could possibly be edible.

     Dining in Taiwan is also a ritual of respect. In the southern parts of Taiwan, which are less commercially affected and perhaps, less industrialized than the capital, Taipei, a normal meal can consist of white rice and simple vegetables, and the same thing will be eaten two or three times a day. The addition of meat to a meal was left to special occasions. For my homecoming, meat was served every meal, three times a day. Meal times were used as a time to express utmost love and appreciation for others, as they seek to quietly see you smile due to their wonderful offering.

     Foods are also used as agents of offering and proof of submission to higher beings. A certain level mystique and myth goes with consuming many foods. The deep, sorrowful color of red wine and the broken piece of bread has long held spiritual meaning, as believers in this seek to become more unified with the One whose blood is represented by the red wine, and His body by the pale bread. Emotions evoked during this sacred event known as communion include thanks, regret, sorrow, and anger as the people examine themselves in the midst of a perfect entity. Tears fall from one's face as they partake of this blood and flesh, in remembrance of Him.

     Food is even a main factor of religious worship in Taiwan. With a majority of the population in Taiwan practicing Buddhism, the influence is obvious. Offering to Buddha is a sign of submission and appreciation to their god. Food is lay at the feet of a shrine, exemplifying that they give up their most prized possession to him.

     While a country like Taiwan deems food as a way of life- in matters such as religion, respect, love, and recreation, cultures differ from place to place. An extreme opposite of Taiwan food culture is encompassed by the culture of a college campus. Because the college student takes on an extremely busy lifestyle, there is constant movement- movement to and from class, to his dormitory, to a study session, to the library, to the cafeteria. While the role of food is occasionally similar to that in Taiwan, in the respect that meal times are used to gather with loved ones, most meals are taken out of necessity. If eating were not mandatory for the continuation of life, students would eat on average, one meal a day. Meals are not a time of relaxation and smiles, but a time of burden that are filled of thoughts of the biology exam that is fast approaching. Quick snacks are popular, as they allow one to complete his food mission quickly, and perhaps, complete two things at one time. College life can be, quite possibly, the unhealthiest culture that one can embark upon.

     Regardless of what each culture makes of food, keep in mind that, it is a necessary biological process to carry on in life. Yet, it acts as a link to the past for the Korean people, a way of life and a symbol of respect in Taiwan, and a rare time of interaction with friends. Count on the human race to be one of innovation, and make this necessity a multidimensional wonder that takes on numerous definitions in many contrasting cultures, and never fails to make its presence felt.