Pāhonoa te oro

Although our social gatherings coalesce around food, the meaning of these gatherings does not seem to depend on flavor. Flavor ② assists with the narrow purpose of filling the belly, and once that is accomplished it provides the backdrop for whatever social dynamics characterize the gathering. These can be understood independently of the flavor of the food on offer, the appreciation of ③ which is understood to be personal and subjective. According to this conventional wisdom, the ceremonies and