Food and Religion

Every major religion regulates food — reflecting beliefs about purity, gratitude, community, and the relationship between body and spirit. Jewish kashrut (kosher) prohibits pork and shellfish, requires separation of meat and dairy, and mandates specific slaughter methods. Islamic halal mirrors many kashrut requirements. Hinduism prohibits beef (the cow is sacred); many Hindus are vegetarian. Buddhism encourages vegetarianism; many Buddhist monks eat only before noon. Fasting is nearly universal: Ramadan (Muslim 30-day dawn-to-sunset fast); Yom Kippur (Jewish 25-hour complete fast); Lent (Christian 40-day fast); Ekadashi (Hindu twice-monthly fast); Buddhist fasting practices. These religious food practices have shaped cuisine — Jewish deli, halal butchery, Indian vegetarianism, Buddhist temple food all derive from religious law.