Lesson video

Hello, thanks for picking this lesson.

My name's Mr. Ballam, and this lesson's all around customs and traditions.

Let's get started, shall we? So what are we going to learn? Well, by the end of this lesson, you'll be able to explain how food is part of different customs, traditions, and also celebrations too.

And I've got some key words here that I'd like to go through first of all before we start the lesson.

And the first one is tradition.

And this is a custom or belief passed down from one generation to another.

The next one is custom, and these are everyday behaviours, social interactions, or local practises.

And the third one is in injera.

And this is a spongy flatbread from Ethiopia.

So let's get started, shall we? With the first part of the lesson all around shaping global food choices.

So there are lots of things that influence the food that is eaten globally.

And these include things like habits, traditions, customs history, and also our religion too.

And depending on where you live, the food commonly eaten, as well as served is different.

And what we eat depends on many factors such as where people live.

So the geography, the weather, whether it's hot or dry, or perhaps is wet and windy.

Also what they believe, perhaps their religion.

And also what their culture is like, so the customs that they have.

Or perhaps their ancestors.

So their history that shapes what they eat now.

So let's explore these different reasons now, shall we, together.

But before we do, let's have a quick check for understanding, shall we? So true or false, eating habits, tradition, customs, religion, history, and location influence the food that is eaten globally.

Yes, that's right.

It's true, isn't it? And why is that? Well, depending on where you live, the food commonly eaten, as well how it was served at celebrations is different due to a number of things like the weather, the beliefs, the culture, and the history.

Brilliant, well done.

Now, every country has different natural resources, and these are things like water, land, plants, and animals.

And some countries have access to the sea with plenty of fish, other to fields of rice, for example, or wheat farms, or grow tropical fruits.

And traditionally, people cooked with ingredients that could easily be grown or found nearby.

However, over time, food from around the world have been imported, and that's changing the different cuisines.

So let's have a quick look at some different cuisine, shall we? Now Italy is often a warm place, has plenty of sunshine, and it's perfect for growing things like tomatoes, basil, and olives.

And this is why Italian dishes often use these ingredients with things like pizza or spaghetti, for example.

Another example is Japan, which is surrounded by the ocean, and people eat lots of fish and seaweed.

And sushi is a famous Japanese dish made from raw fish, rice, and vegetables wrapped in seaweed too.

Let's look at a few more examples, shall we? So in parts of Africa, like Ethiopia, people eat injera, which is a spongy flatbread with spicy stews made from lentils or meat too.

You can see the picture of it on the screen here.

And injera is made from a grain called teff, which grows really well in Ethiopia's dry climate.

And another example could be the UK, which is cooler and rainy and ideal for growing things like potatoes, cabbage, and other root vegetables.

And this is why there's dishes like shepherd's pie, roast dinners, and stews very common in lots of British homes.

So let's have a quick check for understanding, shall we? So which word is missing from this sentence, A, B, C, or D? Yes, that's right.

It's B, isn't it? It's injera.

Brilliant, well done.

So we've looked at different countries and the weather in the country can also affect what people eat.

So for example, in Russia, the winters are often long and cold, so people eat warming foods like the borscht here, which is a beet root soup, or perhaps potatoes and meat stew to stay warm.

Or perhaps in Thailand, where it's hot and humid, so people eat spicy salads, noodles, and curries and with ingredients like lemongrass and chilies too.

So the foods are quite different.

So let's have a quick check if you've been listening, shall we? So what is the Russian soup borscht made from, A, B, or C? Yes, that's right.

Well done.

It's B, it's made from beetroot.

Well done.

Also, many religions have traditions and rules regarding the food that can and cannot be eaten.

And different people follow these rules closely, or some may follow the some or none of them at all.

So for example, many Muslims do not eat pork and eat halal meat, which have been prepared in a special way.

And during Ramadan, most Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.

And Muslims might break the fast eating foods like dates, rice dishes, and curries at sunset, for example.

Another example could be that most Hindus do not eat beef because they believe the cows are sacred animals, and many Hindus are vegetarian.

And a common dish is dhal, which is a lentil stew served with rice or chapati.

Or for example, most orthodox Jews eat kosher food.

So for many, they do not eat shellfish or pork, and they did not eat milk and meat in the same meal.

So let's have a quick check that you've been listening, shall we? And what I want you to do is to match the following religions and food customs together.

I'm sure you do really well.

Okay, so let's see how you got on, shall we? So let's start with the top one.

Most Muslims, that's right, do not eat pork and eat halal meat.

Most Hindus, that's right, do not eat beef.

And the last one, most orthodox Jews, that's right, eat kosher food.

Well done.

You've been listening really well.

Now food is a big part of family life and celebration too.

And every culture has special recipes passed down through the generations.

So for example, in Mexico, during celebrations like Dia de los Muertos, which is Day of the Dead, families make tamales, which are corn dough filled with meat or cheese wrapped in the corn husks and they're steamed.

You can see them on the screen here.

Or perhaps in China, at Chinese New Year, families eat dumplings which represent wealth, have long noodles for long life, and also tangerines for good luck too.

Or perhaps in South Korea, they have kimchi, which is a spicy fermented cabbage and is eaten with almost every meal.

And it's a traditional simple dish made in large batches, and it can be kept also in special kimchi fridges too.

So at Chinese New Year, which food represents good luck, A, B, or C? Yes, that's right, it's tangerines.

Brilliant work.

Well done.

So we've already looked at lots of different reasons why we eat the food that we do, but history also has a big impact on the food too.

And over hundreds of years, people have travelled, traded, fought wars, and moved to new places.

And this means that ingredients, foods, and recipes have spread throughout the world.

And therefore, history has changed the cuisine, ingredients, and the food customs also throughout the world too.

So let's look at a few examples together, shall we? So for example, in China, thousands of years ago, Chinese people started farming rice in the south and wheat in the north.

So this is why people in the southern China often enjoy rice dishes, and people in the north enjoy noodles and dumplings.

And China was part of the silk road, a trading route that connected China to Europe and parts of Asia, and traders brought new ingredients back becoming parts of many Chinese dishes.

And if we look at Britain and its food history, there are lots of different examples.

Here's just a few.

So the Romans brought food like cherries, nuts, and cabbage to Britain.

Also the Anglo-Saxons helped develop farming and ways to store food for longer, which is really important.

And British explorers travelled the world and brought back spices, tea, and potatoes, for example.

However, enslaved African people were forced to grow sugar, cocoa, and bananas on plantations.

And this helped Britain grow rich and have new foods but cause great human suffering.

Another example is Mexico.

And before the country of Mexico, the mayor and the Aztecs lived there and they grew food like corn, beans, avocados, and chilies too.

And in 1519, Spanish explorers arrived, taking over the land and bringing new foods such as wheat, cinnamon, cattle, and pigs.

And many years later, Mexico gained independence in 1821.

And there've been other food influences too that include recipes and cooking styles.

So for example, the cooking styles from enslaved people from Africa are new ingredients, for example, from the Philippines, which is also once ruled by Spain.

So let's have a quick check for understanding, shall we? So true or false.

The cuisine, ingredients, and food customs in different countries has not changed over time.

Well, that's false, isn't it? And why is that? Well, history has changed the cuisine, ingredients, and food countries.

And this has happened because of travel, trade, and wars.

Brilliant.

Well done.

You've been listening really, really well.

Okay, so I've got a task for you here.

And what I want you to do is to explain how the following affect the food eaten around the world.

So we've got the different factors, country, the weather, religion, customs and celebrations, and also history.

And I want you to explain what they mean and how they've affected the food that we eat.

I'm sure you're gonna do really well.

Just think about what we've learned so far.

So pause the video and we'll come back very soon, see how you've got on.

Okay, how did you get on? I bet you did really well, didn't you? I bet you've been listening really well to this lesson and engaging too.

So let's look at some examples of what you could have put.

And I'm sure many of you have got these.

So the first one, the country, the geography.

Well, countries have different natural resources, things like water, land, and plants.

So for example, Japan is surrounded by the ocean, and fish feature a lot in their cuisine, in their dishes.

The weather, while some foods grow in dry climates like teff, which is a grain, do you remember? That's used to make that Ethiopian bread.

While other foods like it in colder and wet climates like potatoes and cabbage.

And sometimes we just want to have hot foods to stay warm.

How about religion? Well, certain religions do not allow certain types of meat to be eaten.

Custom celebrations.

Well, different countries have different customs which have been handed down and are part of family life.

And history, well, over time, due to travelling, trading, and wars, the food eaten in different countries has changed.

Well, brilliant, well done.

You're doing really well so far.

So let's move on to the second part of the lesson, which is all around our food traditions.

So all over the world, people have different food traditions.

And this can be religious, but also many national holidays, birthdays, festivals and family traditions and customs too.

And meals are often planned carefully and have a special meaning too.

So for example, the food might remind people of something that's happened in the past, or to show thanks or to bring good luck to the future.

So true or false.

Food traditions can be linked to religion, holidays, festivals, and family customs. Yes, that's true, isn't it? And why is that? Well, food traditions can be linked to religion, holidays, festivals, and family customs. They may remind people of something in the past or to give thanks or to good luck in the future too.

Brilliant.

Well done.

So let's look at a few of these traditions together, shall we? So Chinese New Year is celebrated with food such as dumplings, spring rolls, and long noodles too.

And the dumplings are shaped like old Chinese money, and they're believed to bring good luck.

And long noodles mean a long life, so people try not to break them when they're eating.

And oranges and tangerine are also shared because they sound like the words luck and also wealth in Chinese.

Other traditions can be Easter in the UK and also worldwide too.

And it's often celebrated with things like hot cross buns, eggs, and roasted lamb.

And the cross on the hot cross bun reminds many Christians of Jesus and the Easter story.

And eggs are a symbol of Easter because they represent new life and rebirth, mirroring the Christian belief of Jesus' resurrection.

Also, lamb is often eaten as a symbol of sacrifice and new life.

Another example could be foods eaten in Eid, for example, such as dates, sweet pastries, and dishes like biryani and samosas too.

And after fasting all day, during the month of Ramadan, many Muslims break their fast with dates, for example.

And sweets are shared with family and friends to show joy and thankfulness.

So let's have a quick check if you've been listening, shall we? So which fruit is often eaten during the Muslim celebration of Eid? Yes, that's right.

It's B isn't it? It's dates.

Well done.

Another food tradition could be Thanksgivings, which is a special day in the USA and Canada too.

And roast Turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are often served.

And the day celebrates a harvest feast shared by the Native Americans and the pilgrims in the 1600s.

And it's a day to give thanks for the good things in life.

Other foods people might include are things like cornbread, stuffing, and sweet potatoes too.

Now many of you be familiar with this one 'cause around the world, birthdays are celebrated with special food.

So for example, in the UK, we often have a birthday cake, which you can see here on the screen.

But in China, people often eat noodles to wish them for long life too.

And at New Year in Japan, people often eat osechi ryori, which is eaten for good fortune.

And this food is often served in small dishes, traditionally served in boxes called jubako.

And these can include things like sweet black beans, fish omelette, and vegetables too.

So label where these foods might be eaten.

So you've got the three different pictures at the top and the three different food traditions down the bottom.

Okay, so let's do the first one, shall we? Do you recognise what that is? Yes, that's the jubako, and that is in New Year in Japan.

Well done.

And the middle one? Yes, that's Thanksgiving in the USA or Canada.

And that means the last one.

Yes, that's a birthday celebration.

Brilliant.

Well done.

Now before Lent begins, Brazilians enjoy big celebrations with dancing, music, and street foods like feijoada, which is the black bean and meat stew, and pasteis, which are savoury and sweet crispy pastries.

And during the lunar New year, families in Vietnam eat dumplings, spring rolls, and fish, which are thought to bring wealth and good luck.

And in South Korea, they might also eat tteotguk, which is a rice cake soup to grow one year older.

And in South Africa, families come together to celebrate their different cultures by having a braai, which is a barbecue on heritage day.

And everyone brings something to share, and they celebrate the family's unique background.

And families In South Korea, for example, they travel to their hometowns to spend time together during the harvest festival.

And they often cook traditional foods such as songpyeon, which is rice cakes, and give thanks to their ancestors too.

Okay, so let's have a quick check for understanding, shall we? So which food is eaten to celebrate harvest festival in South Korea? A, B, or C? Yes, that's right.

It's C.

Well done.

Now some foods are part of our culture or our family tradition too.

So for example, many British families enjoy a roast dinner on a Sunday with things like roast potatoes, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding too.

In some families, every Friday is pizza night, for example.

Everyone's different, but sometimes it's about cooking and sharing family favourite recipe, or perhaps using a recipe that's been handed down from older relatives or celebrating our culture too.

So for example, in Japan, parents often make decorated bento lunchboxes for their children.

And the lunches are made to look cute.

It shows love and care from the parent to the child.

You can see them just in the photo here.

In Ethiopian homes, family members eat from a large shared platter of food served on injera, which is a soft flatbread.

And eating together shows closeness and trust.

And the injera, the bread, acts as both as a plate and also the utensil for scooping up the food.

So true or false.

The injera bread acts as a plate and can also be used to eat the food.

Yes, that's true, isn't it? And why is that? Well, the injera bread acts as a plate and a utensil.

The bread is torn and used to eat the food, like a utensil scooping up the food.

Great work.

Well done.

Okay, so I've got a task for you now.

What I want you to do is answer the questions from these pupils.

So the first one is, what foods are served at Chinese and Japanese New Year? The second one, what is in injera, and how is it eaten traditionally? The next one, what food traditions do you have in your family? Explain why.

Well, I'm sure you're gonna do really well.

So do you remember, pause the video and we'll come back very soon to see how you get on.

Good luck.

Okay, so how did you get on? Let's have a look at some answers together, shall we? Some examples.

So the first one, what foods are served at Chinese and Japanese New Year? Well at Chinese New Year, foods often include things like dumplings, spring rolls, and long noodles, remember, for long life.

And oranges and tangerines are also shared too.

In Japan, people have foods like black beans, fish, omelettes and vegetables called osechi ryori.

How about the second question? What is injera and how is it eaten traditionally? Well, you could have put something like injera is a traditional bread from Ethiopia, and families eat from a large shared platter of food served on the bread, and the milk is eaten with the hands.

The injera acts as the plate, and also it's torn into pieces in order to scoop up the food, a bit like a spoon.

And the last question, what food traditions do you have in your family? Explain why.

Or this can be lots of different things, but for example, I've put something like there are lots of different traditional foods, and these will be different in each family.

So for example, it might be a family everyday favourite, like a lasagna, for example, or a dish linked to a religion, or perhaps celebrating a particular event.

It might also be about having some foods that you only have on a special occasion, I'm sure whatever you've come up with is absolutely brilliant.

Well done.

Well, that's the end of today's lesson.

I hope you've enjoyed learning about customs and traditions.

Let's have a quick summary of what we've learned today, shall we? Well, the first one is that eating habits, traditions, customs, religion, and history and location influence the food that is eaten globally.

And food is often used to celebrate many different occasions such as religious events, national holidays, and New Year too.

And lastly, meals and dishes are planned and prepared for lots of different food traditions and customs. And this might include things like harvest festival, birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, New Year, family get together, and lunches too.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed today's lesson, all learning about food, customs, and traditions around the world.

And I hope you come back very soon for another cooking and nutrition lesson.