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Lunar New Year Brings Opportunities for Cultural Studies

Ringing in the Year of the Earth Pig! Chinese New Year (also referred to as the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival) takes place this year on February 5, 2019. By exploring art, food, music, and traditions, families can gain background knowledge to support participation in regional celebrations of the lunar holiday. Getting curious about the associated zodiac can lead you to discover the mythology behind the calendar while learning how other… Read More

Category: Cultural Events, Food, Hilltown Families, Holidays Tags: Chinese New Year, Cultural Studies, Lunar New Year, nutritional anthropology, Spring Festival

Spread Kindness and Explore World Cultures Through Holiday Baking

‘Tis becoming to season to pay special attention to spreading kindness to those around us! Families can spread kindness by sharing homemade foods with neighbors, and can expand this activity to include studies of world cultures by baking foods enjoyed internationally!

Category: Hilltown Families Tags: Cookies From Around The World, International Cookies, kindness, nutritional anthropology

Culinary & Cultural Education via Local Resources & Events

Nutritional Anthropology and Culinary Education Every culture has its own set of values, rituals, and traditions surrounding food. The staple ingredients, indulgences, and forbidden fruits of a given culture are influenced by agricultural systems, habitat, ethical concepts, and religious beliefs. Holidays and celebrations around the world are associated with traditional and ritual foods. Have you ever wondered why birthday cakes are round? Or why latkes are fried during Hanukkah and Buche de… Read More

Category: Hilltown Families Tags: Community Based Education, culinary arts, Culture, Food, Food Culture, Food History, History, nutritional anthropology, Pioneer Valley

Local History Through the Lens of Food: Nutritional Anthropology in the Pioneer Valley

Food is a delectable lens through which to explore local history and culture: not only is it delicious, but it’s something that is a part of everyone’s life, no matter age or socioeconomic status. Eating is a universal human experience, and the what and why of this experience speaks volumes to the context in which we live our lives.

Covering the contents of local plates over the last 250 years, Historic Northampton’s “Table Talk” spotlights the changes that the city’s food-centric downtown has seen. Speaking to food and many other topics, the exhibit offers a unique opportunity for community-based learning.

Category: Cultural Events, Food, Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, History, Suggested Activity Tags: Community Based Education, culinary arts, Culture, Food, Food Culture, Food History, History, nutritional anthropology, Pioneer Valley

The Symbolism of Food on New Years Eve

Food traditions are at the core of many cultural and annual celebrations… And New Years Eve is certainly no different, especially across the world where there are some very interesting links to symbolism. To get a truly multi-cultural flavor for NYE, read on…

Category: Food Tags: Food, food customs, Hoppin' John, New Year's Tradition, nutritional anthropology, Skippin' Jenny, Traditional Foods

Seasonal Baking Contests Highlight Creativity and Family Culture

Food is most definitely a focal point during the holiday season – and families can use this to their advantage by engaging in meaningful food-based learning. Through upcoming baking contests and other community-based learning opportunities, families can explore the intersection of the culinary arts, culture, creativity, and family history.

Category: Hilltown Families Tags: Baking Contests, kitchen science, nutritional anthropology, pastry arts

Four Foods for Good Luck & Prosperity in the New Year

On January 31st, most of the world celebrates the coming of a new year. Throughout the last day of the year, many countries mark the new beginning with different cultural celebrations. Food in particular plays an important role in these celebrations, and is thought to serve as a symbol of things to come in the new year. This year, learn about cultures around the world while adding fun and delicious customs to your family’s traditions for marking the new year…