Celebrating with Rice
Celebrating with Rice
Rice is the oldest known food that is still widely consumed today. Rice consumption dates back to 5000 BC. Rice is a staple for many, especially in Asia. But rice comes in many forms beside the standard boiled, steamed, fried, or even microwaved approach. Rice wine, rice vinegar, and even rice beer have become very popular. And don’t forget Grappa and Sake which are both made from rice. The most fun use of rice, however, is celebratory. When leaving a wedding ceremony, it is traditional in many cultures to throw handfuls of rice grains over the heads of the newlywed couple to wish them well in their journey together. The rice is typically thrown after the blessing of the bride and groom and is meant to wish them fertility and prosperity in their new life together.
The Rice Toss
It is believed that the rice toss tradition began with the ancient Romans. Originally, they threw wheat, but rice quickly became the universal symbol for fertility and hence the wish for the future of the newly married couple. In recent years, a rumor began that suggested that birds’ stomachs would explode if they ate the uncooked rice.
The Rice Rumor is False
It turns out this rumor is just that, a rumor, and birds are not harmed by the abundance of uncooked grains they might consume as a result of celebratory rice throwing.
Rice has many uses and many varieties. If your business depends on its rice supply, let Interra International introduce you to the best sources worldwide. With 40,000 varieties of rice available, having a knowledgeable wholesale rice supplier gives you an advantage. Contact us Interra for more information on our global trade solutions.