Dinner

Dinner is defined as: the chief meal of the day, eaten in the evening or at midday. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dinner It is referred to as the chief or main meal, primarily because it is the meal in which the largest amount of food is consumed.

The act of having dinner is practiced worldwide, crossing all cultural boundaries. Although, one’s cultural practices determine the time of day in which dinner is observed, the practice is the same; a group of people gather at a table or common area and share a meal. http://www.ehow.com/how_1019_eat-formal-dinner.html

The term dinner, formerly referred to the first of two meals eaten in a day. Individuals traditionally sat for this meal at noon, ending the period of fasting one observed overnight. With such poor lighting from candles and oil lamps, individuals typically went to bed around sun down, so dinner was more appropriate earlier in the day when lighting was ample. http://www.history-magazine.com/dinner2.html

As lighting and electricity became available, individuals stayed up later, and dinner times shifted toward sundown. Work and school prevented people from being able to stop midday and have such a large meal, and dinner later in the evening suited schedules better. http://www.history-magazine.com/dinner2.html This practice of having dinner in the evening continues today, with the average dinner time getting later, as individuals spend more time away from home or occupied with other tasks.

The amount of food consumed at dinner can vary greatly, and is based on several factors, including culture, occasion, and even the day of the week. A dinner meal can range from a single course of foods to several courses served over a period of time. Traditionally, dinners served in courses will begin with appetizers (served hot or cold), followed by a salads or light soup. Next, the main dish will be served, including various foods from different food groups. Finally, the dinner will be finished off by a dessert course, which may or may not include hot beverages like coffee. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-involved-in-a-seven-course-dinner.htm

Dinner meals traditionally include a sampling of the major food groups; a meat or protein-rich dish, served with grains and vegetables. http://www.umass.edu/nibble/infolis2.html Not all dinner meals include such heavy dishes, and can be made up of any dish, like salads and sandwiches, to foods that are traditionally associated with other meals, like breakfast foods. http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-home/article/breakfast-for-Dinner.html

Though breakfast is regarded as the most important meal of the day, dinner is viewed as just as important for an individual’s nutritional and psychological well-being, especially in children. http://www.enotalone.com/article/19318.html