Feasts or festivals showcase a communitys unique aspects and beliefs. Historically, religions hold a set of celebrations to give honor to their god or gods.
The term feast in secular parlance means a large or elaborate meal. In connection to festival, it usually refers to a religious festival other that a film or art festival.
Festivals: Origins
The term festival has been derived from the Middle English fest and festivus from Middle French. It has also been rooted to the word festivus in Latin. In 1589, it was used as a noun other than the fourteenth century adjective that means to celebrate a church holiday. The term feast has origins quite similar to festival. It has been derived from the Middle English feste and festa from Latin.
Festivals: Purpose
The purpose of festival in many types is to meet communities specific social needs and duties. Apart from the entertainment that they bring, these community affairs provide a sense of belonging to members of religions, social or geographical groups. Historically, a feast provided a means of developing unity among families and opportunities to find a partner or mate. Festivals were times where...