Question

1. Reflect on the meaning and connection that the Salish people have to salmon, How does thinking about food as sacrament help illuminate the importance of salmon for Coast Salish people? Does this idea help you think about the role of food in ritual more broadly?

2. How might first foods ceremonies help people develop a relationship with place? What do these ceremonies accomplish socially? Economically? Spiritually?

3. If you were to take the time, individually or collectively to ritually honor and reflect on your connection with food, would it change the way you eat? Live? Interact with the natural world? Do you already recognize a food type as having symbolic meaning? Whether secular or religious, please describe.

4. Briefly reflect on what you learned about religion being symbolic and ritualistic from this week's material. Share some of your thoughts about one or two examples introduced in this week's modules to highlight the symbolism and ritual involved in religion. Were you able to practice cultural relativism?

Answer 1

1. Fishing is deeply tied to Coastal Salish people since at least 3000 years ago, especially in coastal regions of British Columbia. They are considered as relatives, who bear great gifts. In traditional beliefs, they are considered as people and respected as such. During First Fishing ceremonies, first Sockeye Salmon is caught and called as King. It is done to maintain the effective fishing practices and sustain culture. Elders give advice on fishing timelines, techniques and quantities, This acts as an intergenerational identity connect. They are also shown on Totem poles and revered as spirits of ancestors.

The role of food in ritual is very deeply rooted, whether it is Bread and wine being attributed as body and blood of Jesus or using rice by Buddhists for traditional meals or ban of the use of beef/pork by specific religious groups. Food has always played a big role in cultural attributes of human endeavor.