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Why sharing meals can make people happier - what evidence from 142 countries shows

Alberto Prati


The importance of sharing meals is recognised across cultures, from the Jewish Shabbat meal to the fast-breaking Iftar meals during Ramadan. The known link between food and social relationships is ancient. The English word companion, the French copain (friend) and the Italian compagno (partner) come from the Latin cum and panis - literally "with-bread". The Chinese term for companion/partner stems from a similar term which literally translates to "fire mate", a reference to sharing meals over a campfire.


20 March 2025


The Conversation


https://theconversation.com/why-sharing-meals-can-make-people-happier-what-evidence-from-142-countries-shows-252352

This Blog is published under the centre's Community Wellbeing programme.