Comparative Exploration - 11/22/2006 (Early Food Service)

MODERN FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

Comparative Commentary

EXPLORATORY EXAMPLE

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

11/22/2006 - Early Food Service

As I have sat and entered the previous information pertaining to this direction in exploration... I then began to consider the development aspects of the food service industry.

Early on... before there were even "Inns" as can be illustrated in the depictions within even the "Bible," what we know today as a rather social and communal activity of "dining" didn't exist. The only group sort of dining happened as is depicted concerning various forms of "atonement" - and as well in regard to such activities as feasts... some "royal court" and as well common festivities.

Even the idea of "purchased food/dining" didn't come along for centuries. Then it was the early examples of "Inns" which made it a commonality, if I am not mistaken. Beyond of course, the "purchased" allotment of some atonement in the local "church structure."

Of course, as mentioned were the likes of feasts in "celebration" and as well for certain holiday like events.... but these were all entirely communal in that respect. A product of the local community so to speak - sometimes even used as measures of certain types of "atonement" themselves - settling disputes, making amends.... etc.

In the modern church, there is very little represented of these early forms in "atonement" regarding the preparation and consumption of food stuffs in direct relation to the "church." the nearest I can immediately bring to mind, is the continued use in symbolism - of "communion" within the Catholic church. Of course, there are the more communal (than ritual) dining aspects in various forms of "feast" from church organization to church organization here in the United States. But these are never in the sort of "offering" so to speak... beyond the "pot luck" aspect of everyone bringing something from home... and then further, there is no representation of "purchase" in regard to said "feasts."

You aren't allowed (more it is not acceptable socially) to purchase a meal at one of these modern church functions.

Maybe, as I ponder it... there is some example of social divergence within these two directions of development... and in that then, pertaining to the early references (before Christ) to "offerings" and "atonement" in the manner of even purchased food stuffs - is an example within modern popular Christianity of the "effect" pertaining to the introduction of Christ imparting a more communal aspect on the body of popular Christianity?

Perhaps, again as pure conjecture, with that social change in the advent of the "Christ" effect on Christianity in the larger sense... it then became a need to fill the areas being "left behind" in the sense of the earlier assigned - nomadic - tendencies within the idea of Christianity itself?

Again... this being in no way an effort to assign such meaning to the development of things like "Inns" and "food service," but it does stand to reason that in relation to "travel" and further within the simple influence of the social structure itself (being Christianity), that such aspects would develop in those areas of existence.

Where else were early travelers to get their sustenance? Most places could not be hunted under potential punishment from local authorities (kings rights and such). As well, it seems as though such activities would represent a form of "atonement" of itself for a decided "trespass" in/on the land of others during those travels. While such was not necessarily "illegal," in respect to "territories" it still may have been a factor of sorts. "Purchasing ones toll for use of the road" for instance, which traversed someone else's territorial right of way?

This then tends to lean toward the idea that "Lord" is meant to represent a "Lordship," while such may or may not have been the case in reference to the established perception of reasons for earlier (religious) atonement. It does present a rather interesting aspect in the development of such social activities.

It is/was obviously an earlier form of established commerce without any question... and it definitely represents a social "progression" which just as well represents a form of "divergence" with the advent of those things I have noted, as well as other social aspects in motion at the time.

Examples of "progressive corruption" if I do say.

Further then, in a realist angle - a person must take into account the developments within these early developments themselves.

Besides presenting the opportunity for the travel in manners described - these establishments soon made other forms of change - becoming "Pubs(as described)," but as well - developing the aspect of brothels.

I suppose it was soon discovered that the traveler was not only hungry and wanting of shelter - but perhaps in use of some human companionship as well.

To speak in entirely forthright terms, this development (perhaps even in a natural course within human tendency) seems as though it provided a similar service as was the introduction of sustenance in relation to "procuring" and possible violations of surrounding areas - territorially so to speak.

The introduction of the "brothel" aspect may have actually helped to maintain the safety of the local communities at the time. Making available such exchanges, as opposed to the alternative(s) being to "procure" them in some other fashion.

Of course, since civilization and societies have "progressed" such "amenities" have fallen out of a pronounced need for availability in regard to the safety aspect as well as the territorial concerns - and have been relegated more so (as with the food service industry in many respects) entirely into the arena of strictly commerce.