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Romare Bearden, Quilting Time, 1985 |
Special Occasions
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Romare Bearden, Quilting Time, 1985 |
Food becomes sacred to families on special occasions such as family reunions, births, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and holidays such as the Fourth of July and New Year's Day. On these days, family and friends have the "opportunity to relish in the fine moments that life has given and also enjoy one's company." With people laughing and joking, dancing to the music, food is the last needed ingredient to make the time just right. People enjoy a wide variety of foods at these events, such as barbequed baby-back ribs, barbeque chicken, fried chicken and a variety of desserts. However, chicken and pork are not the only foods people will find on these occasions; fish is just as important.
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John W. Banks, Juneteenth Celebration, 1983 |
"There is something about a family reunion that even the forgetfulness of a child can't erase from the memory," exclaimed a Delta resident. Both old and young come from everywhere to pay their respects and participate in events and, of course, to eat at the "major event." Foods such as barbecued ribs, fried fish, potato salad, and sweet potato pie are most likely to be found at the reunion. This "major event" usually takes place on preset days of each year or, in some cases, every other year. |
Family reunions have become important in society today. Many families elect committees within their family to organize the events and happenings of the gathering. From finding places for family members to stay for the event to finding the perfect picnic area to serve all of the fine foods, the committees' responsible for making sure the reunion runs smoothly. As Fletcher Stokes commented on family reunions: "It is doubtful if there is a time or place on earth where food is served so abundantly in so many forms and seasoned to please the taste of all concerned from great-grandpa to the smallest youngster." The food serves as a calling for families to come together and have fun.
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