A precious spiritual value

(Baonghean) - CIt's very interesting that in proverbs, folk songs, and ballads, when speaking of love for one's homeland or country, it's often linked to family meals. For example, "When I leave, I remember my homeland / I remember the water spinach soup, I remember the pickled eggplant." Similarly, when talking about family happiness and couples, it's like, "Shrimp whiskers cooked with gourd intestines / Husband and wife eat together, nodding in approval." Even when discussing family problems leading to separation, the image of a meal is subtly present, as in "unpleasant meals, bitter soup"... That alone is enough for everyone to imagine the multifaceted meaning and important "position" of meals in each household, especially warm and loving family meals. And that is precisely the theme of this year's Vietnamese Family Day.

Everything has its deep roots, and this year, the national cultural sector's choice of this theme certainly has a specific reason. The busyness and hectic pace of modern life, coupled with economic affluence and the influence of deep integration with the outside world—with terms once considered trendy like fast food associated with famous global brands from Europe and America—have caused many families, especially those in urban areas, to lose the true meaning of "warm and loving family meals" as they once did. This phenomenon has deprived the foundation for a complete and happy family, like a ship lacking a sturdy anchor to prevent it from rocking and swaying in strong winds and waves. This is because family meals possess both material and spiritual value that are incomparable. These two aspects are inextricably linked. Meals serve as a time for family members to replenish their energy and recharge, while also providing an opportunity to care for one another and express deep concern through dishes tailored to each person's individual tastes.

It's also a time to enrich each other's spiritual values ​​through joyful stories and casual conversations about social life, fostering stronger bonds and mutual affection. Everyone knows the proverb about proper etiquette during meals: "Eat while watching the pot, sit while watching the direction." Why "eat while watching the pot"? Not so long ago, rice wasn't as abundant as it is now; it was always scarce. Those serving rice had to carefully watch their hands, ensuring each bowl was evenly filled. Those eating, if considerate, would always look at the rice pot to see how much was left and adjust their eating speed accordingly. This prevented them from eating too much and allowed them to leave more for their grandparents, parents, and younger siblings. It's a lesson in filial piety and moral conduct during meals.

Literally, that's the meaning; figuratively, it means that whatever you do, you need to be mindful and attentive, behaving in a way that is morally right. This teaching, though found in books, originates from the concrete meals within the family. These precious spiritual values ​​are formed and nurtured gradually through each family meal. Those who are far from home and their hometown can never forget those evening meals. Especially on winter afternoons by the fire, though not extravagant, even very simple with a basket of potatoes or cassava, the feeling of "potatoes in the stomach, cassava fragrant in the heart" stirs the soul. Because it's no longer just a specific potato or cassava, but a symbol, the crystallization of family affection. Without that, the family would cease to exist. If it exists, it would only be in name.

Therefore, to keep the flame of family happiness burning, the key is "Don't let the kitchen grow cold." Mealtime is an opportunity for families to reunite after a stressful day of work and study. It's a chance for everyone to express their feelings. Each dish represents the love of the wife, mother, daughter, and younger sibling for their beloved father, husband, and older brother. They will feel that love and appreciation in their favorite dishes. This is the invisible thread that connects family members, making them even closer and more bonded. That's why the saying "the heart goes through the stomach" is so true. Mealtime is also an opportunity to educate children, as mentioned above. Mealtime is a chance for everyone to understand each other better through short and long stories, sad and happy, along with diverse comments from family members.

Therefore, whenever the family reunites after a long time, they always organize a meal together. The meal is an opportunity to relax, as it's a time for everyone to set aside their worries, anxieties, and even their own grievances and anger so as not to affect anyone else. It's a time for the whole family to enjoy their favorite dishes. "Even God avoids interrupting a meal!" There are so many more wonderful values ​​that a warm and loving family meal brings to each person and each family, values ​​that cannot be measured or quantified specifically. From this, we can conclude that the family meal is a precious spiritual value that should not fade with time, but should be maintained regularly and forever.

Duy Huong