We recently had dinner with some American friends who arrived in France two years ago. We were laughing together in the kitchen as they recounted one of their recent cultural bloopers.
They had invited a French family over for a meal. Everyone had been served. They had prayed a blessing for the meal, but no one was eating. They couldn’t figure out why.
After some awkward silence and uncomfortable space, our friends realized that they had failed to say, “Bon appétit!” to their guests.
These two small words—meaning “Enjoy your meal!”—give the signal that one can begin eating.
Thankfully, they realized this sooner than later . . . or that French family might still be sitting at their dining room table just waiting to dive into the food!
“Bon appétit!”—a phrase, originally from French, meaning “good appetite,” said to someone who is about to eat, meaning, “I hope you enjoy your food.”
It made me think of our days in Morocco. Before a meal with our local friends, one would say, “Bismillah” which means, “In the name of God.” This sacred word and blessing would be proclaimed whenever there was a new “undertaking” or something “beginning”—like eating a meal, entering a house for the first time, driving a new car, etc.
Before a meal, it was a form of prayer to thank God for the meal placed before them. Once these words were spoken, everyone could begin to eat—but not a moment before.
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
Let’s Weave Cultures!
What about you—in your own culture or in places where you have traveled? Are there words or blessings that must be spoken before one can begin to eat?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
Sorry to contradict, but proper étiquette will tell you to avoid saying “Bon Appétit”…
Best,
icv
Thank you for your comment, JC. I would be interested in knowing your source on “proper etiquette.” My French husband, who is born and raised in France, would disagree. And, my personal experience of living in France for more than 13 years would also disagree. Every French person we know will not begin their meal without wishing everyone around them, “Bon Appétit!” It sounds like your experience is different, or books that you have read, so please share more of your story and your reading sources. Thanks again for reading and interacting with this cultural story! It is much-appreciated, and it is more than okay to contradict. As “Cultural Weavers,” we must agree to disagree . . . and learn from each other in the process!