Food: Fact or Fiction? Season 3 Episode 1 Sacred Chow

In season 3 episode 1 of Food: Fact or Fiction? named Sacred Chow, viewers are taken on a journey to learn about the significance of food in various religions and cultures. The episode starts with exploring the belief of food being a language of the divine according to the Hindu religion. It highlights the importance of vegetarianism in Hinduism and portrays how this concept has been popularized in the modern era. The episode also touches upon the idea of fasting and its importance in different religions like Islam and Judaism.

Moving forward, the episode explores how religious events and ceremonies are incomplete without specific food items which are considered sacred. Viewers get to see the making of matzo bread, a Jewish traditional dish consumed during the Passover holiday which commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Additionally, they are shown how hot cross buns are made and its significance in Christianity, especially during Easter.

The episode then shifts its focus to Italian cuisine and explores a popular food item that has a history rooted in the Christian religion - the pretzel. The episode traces the origin of pretzels to the monks of Italy who created them with specific significance, highlighting the holy trinity of Christianity. The pretzel's unique shape represented the folded arms in prayer while the three holes represented the holy trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The episode then moves forward to China and delves into the cultural significance of the lunar new year celebration which often revolves around food. The episode showcases how certain dishes like dumplings and fish are prepared and consumed during the lunar new year celebrations, symbolizing luck and good fortune.

The episode concludes with highlighting the importance of food being shared and consumed together, often used as a way to bring people closer. The episode showcases how communal dining in cultures like the Middle-East is considered a sacred practice and how the act of sharing bread is regarded as a symbol of peace and brotherhood.

Overall, in season 3 episode 1 of Food: Fact or Fiction? named Sacred Chow, viewers are taken on a cultural journey exploring how food plays a significant role in various religions and cultures across the world. The episode showcases how certain food items have a deep-rooted history and cultural significance, often used to connect people and bring them together.