Commensality

Commensality, act of eating together. Sharing food is often linked to the notion of sharing substance and is thus an important way of forming and projecting the identity of a group. In many societies it is one of the main ways of establishing and maintaining social solidarity. The criteria according to which the group that shares food is defined differs across societies. For instance, in the Hindu caste system, each caste is a commensal unit in that members of each caste can eat together. However, members of higher and purer castes, such as the Brahmins, do not share food with those of lower castes as this is considered to be polluting. This rule may be modified, though, according to whether the food is raw or cooked, as in some instances raw, but not cooked, food may be shared between castes. Members of lower castes can always accept food from higher castes. In tribal societies, lineages may form the commensal unit. In most cases the domestic group is the most commonly formed commensal unit. Thus, an anthropologist can, by observing the various social conventions that prescribe or proscribe commensality, understand the different social relationships within the group.

In a number of societies, rules regarding commensality are still followed, particularly on important ritual occasions. In societies where the criteria might not be based on caste or kinship, there are still norms about, for example, whom it is appropriate to eat meals with or whom to invite to dinner. The coming together of the family at Christmas or Thanksgiving in Western societies is a good example of commensality.