Feasted: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'feast' comes from the Latin word 'festivus,' meaning festive or joyful.
• In Old French, it was 'feste,' which also meant a festival or celebration involving food.
• Originally, the term referred to special occasions and large meals shared among many people.

Culture

• Various cultures around the world have their own traditional feasts, often tied to holidays or harvest celebrations.
• Thanksgiving in the United States is a famous feast where families gather to share a large meal, typically featuring turkey.
• In India, festivals like Diwali include grand feasts with a variety of sweets and savory dishes as part of the celebration.

Historical Traditions

• In medieval Europe, feasting was a way for the wealthy to display their riches and hospitality to show off their status.
• Many ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Greeks, hosted elaborate feasts to honor gods and celebrate victories.
• Barbecue feasts, common in many cultures, were initially communal events that brought together families and friends.

Psychology

• Gathering around a feast can strengthen relationships, as shared meals promote feelings of belonging and community.
• Eating large amounts of food during festive occasions can trigger the release of pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters, enhancing happiness.
• The sensory experiences of feasting, like taste and smell, can create lasting memories and emotional bonds associated with particular events.

Literature

• Feasts are often symbolic in literature, representing unity, abundance, or the passage of time, as seen in works like 'The Lord of the Rings.'
• William Shakespeare's plays frequently feature grand meals, showcasing societal rank and character relationships through their banquets.
• In many folktales and fairy tales, feasts represent rewards or turning points in the story, often leading to magical transformations or celebrations.

Positioned at #23,404, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 23401 dally
• 23402 guttural
• 23403 apologetically
• 23404 feasted
• 23405 sideboard
• 23406 guerilla
• 23407 promulgating
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