America “the Great”
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America “The Great”
Most people assume that the United States of America is an obese and non-traditional country that lacks uniqueness and originality, when in fact the USA is one of the most unique countries with its rich cultures and unique traditions. Cultural differences do appear between the USA and other countries but there are also many similarities. Throughout history Americans have taken many unique cultures and blended them into what we know today as the USA, or the “melting pot”. Through Americas historical background we see that she has gone from famines to gold rushes and taken traditions from other countries through important immigration centers, such as Staten Island. American food and culture, as you will see, has influenced and been influenced by both past and present societies, including the differences of climate regions to food, American originated meals, and along with the twist on cultural cuisines by America.
Much of the USA is blended with rich religious backgrounds. As stated in the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, as of 2007, there are over 50 different religions practiced in the United States. Many of these religions carry a surplus amount of culture and food with them. Judaism, for instance, has a very common practice of fasting which has spread religion also had a lasting effect on food in the United States. Their religious background, during Yom Kippur and fasting, brings many new foods to the U.S. Much of Jewish cooking and food shows the influence of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, German and Eastern European styles of cooking which in turn influences the culture of the U.S (Rich Jewish Cooking). One of the most common foods America has that has origins in the Jewish religion is the bagel (Rich Jewish Cooking). Another food that is used in the American society is Jewish penicillin, or known better as Matzah Ball Soup.