Breaking Bread – communion and community

It’s long been a societal tradition to “break bread” as a way of connecting with others. In other words, of dining and eating together.

When we break bread, we’re saying, “I trust you, I care for you, I want to share this moment and this sustenance with you.” It’s a way for us humans to be together, right now, in this moment and connect.

I remember as a child mum telling my sisters and me that she always added a huge dollop of love into every meal she made for us.

I’m sure this is something that spans cultures and history, a universal language of mothers.

The Roseto Effect

The “Roseto Effect” refers to the unusually low rate of heart disease in the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania, despite a diet that wasn’t, traditionally, considered healthy. This observation challenged the established “diet-heart hypothesis” which linked heart disease to dietary fat intake. Instead, the Roseto Effect highlighted the importance of social cohesion and community support in promoting health and longevity.

Heart Disease Rates Against the Then-Norm

In the 1950s and 60s, Roseto, an Italian-American community, had significantly lower rates of heart disease compared to other areas in the US. 

A visiting doctor couldn’t believe that in this town there had only been one heart attack – very much out of synch with the rest of the US at that time. This was despite a diet that included pasta, wine, and fatty foods, which were typically associated with heart health. 

The people of Roseto drank like fish, smoked like trains and worked in an environment filled with contaminants.

Diet and Health

The study of Roseto challenged the prevailing “diet-heart hypothesis” which linked heart disease to high dietary fat consumption.

While the Rosetans had a diet that wasn’t considered ideal, their unusually low rates of heart disease suggested that other factors, like social connection, might be more influential.

Social Connection and Community

The research on Roseto emphasised the strong social bonds, close-knit family ties, and cohesive community relationships within the town.

Most homes were three generations (grandparents, parents, kids). Because the town was almost a replica of Roseto, Italy – a strong catholic community – going to Mass on Sundays was part of every day living. After mass, families would get together and ‘break bread’ – long lunches with siblings, aunts, uncles, parents. Definitely multi-generational and extended family affairs which took place every week.

This strong sense of community and support is now believed to play a crucial role in buffering individuals against the stresses of daily life and promoting a higher quality of life.

Shifting Perspectives

The Roseto Effect prompted a reevaluation of how we understand health and longevity. 

While dietary factors are important, the study suggested that social and community influences can also have a significant impact on health outcomes.  Researchers now consider how well a person is connected to others a determinant in longevity.

Affluence and Change

As the US began to get more affluent, Rosetans began to change their community structure. They erected (literal) fences between their neighbours; grandparents started living in retirement homes; both parents went out to work; their Faith and strong spiritual connections started to dwindle.

Meals were had on the run, maybe in front of the TV, in isolation. Their long Sunday lunches stopped becoming a thing their families did.

With this, Rosetans’ heart disease rates eventually rose to the US national average. 

The Importance of Breaking Bread With Others Often

Alan and I make a point of dining at the table. We never eat in front of the TV off our laps. Until very recently we didn’t even own a TV to sit in front of.

We also make a point of acknowledging our thanks and gratitude of those who’ve prepared each meal – yes – even when we have takeaways; yes – even when we’re dining out at cafes and restaurants.

Creating Opportunities to Break Bread

With Alan heading overseas for 10 days, we went out of our way to enjoy the traditional three meals/day opportunities to share ‘bread’ together.

We had breakfast (which I rarely eat), lunch and dinner.

I’m looking forward to My Hero returning in 10 sleeps’ time.

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Here’s to communion and connection…

Here’s to creating opportunities to break bread…

Here’s to safe travels and speedy return for My Hero.

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Here’s to SmilingOnTheInside