Food offerings to spirits/deities?

Question

I know that Hinduism practices this, offering fruits like oranges or mangos to the deities to draw in energy

the religion of Santeria (Cuban religion, mixture of African voodoo and Catholicism) does it, it makes food offerings to the saints, and they draw spirits in

i even know WICCA does this too, to bring in spirits and energies.

my question is, where can I get more information on this phenomenon? And has anyone ever tried this before?

Please tell me a little more about this paranormal phenomenon, it's interesting

Answer 1

Some of these statements are slightly incorrect. Most all religions do offer votary food offerings to their god(s), but its not to invoke a spirit into the food in some way that implies a shamanistic practice, but rather a simple blessing of food. A lot of this stems directly from rites that offer a ritual sacrifice of valuable foods or items to a god as a symbol of surrender- common to nearly all religions.

In fact, the most visible sign of an invoked spiritual energy through food offering is seen in Catholic liturgical practice through the sharing of communion hoest wafers and wine.

Answer 2

Jack has given you an idea about how to research this, so I won't add to that suggestion, except to say that I have known a wiccan who did this, so they might have some info on it from their perspective.

It reminds me of the offerings given to deceased relatives on the Day of the Dead, in Mexico and some other  cultures. I wonder if that came from what you're describing.

I've made altars along the lines of the Day of the Dead kind, though I'm not Mexican, but never saw it as a paranormal phenomenon, or noticed and "results" so I guess it's not the same as inviting in the energy of the spirits.

Answer 3

The practice of animal (and other food) sacrifice can be traced back to prehistorical cavemen who would attempt to bribe their [perceived] gods in an effort to avoid misfortune.  We have since learned that what in ignorance we attributed to gods is actually just random acts of nature.  So all the sacrifice in the world isn't going to save you.  However, some people still go through the motions of sacrifice for personal psychological reasons.

Answer 4

I've done it and occasionally still do.  Not just with food.  I'd guess the practice outside the Judeo-Christian-Muslim sphere is probably far more widespread than the alternative [not doing it].

And, of course, Christians have their communion.

You can probably websearch 'food sacrifice' on dogpile.com and get more than enough information to suit you.

Answer 5

The native American religions leaves a plate for the spirits, as well as the Jewish faith leaves a plate out for passover. I don't consider it a phenomenon, its more of a symbolism in respect.

Answer 6

i bet the food doesn't change after they offer it. it's just an offering to show that they remember deities or whatever. that's just a tradition of natives. they offer the food and then that's all. better yet ask the natives who do such things, here in our place it's just an offering and after that they throw the food., am not sure anyways

Answer 7

I've wondered about that too. What happens to the gifts..fruit etc.? Wouldn't that be a bad thing..when it starts to rot? Or is it like putting out cookies and milk for Santa...and we know what happens to those gifts. I don't see the point in doing this. Guess they'd need to leave a cheesecake for me! What's the phenomenon part about it?...unless they "vanish" or something. Maybe someone will leave a link about it.

edit..Maybe it's kinda like Christians lighting candles in front of a statue...or a picture.

edit..or putting flowers in front of them or on the altar..or at a cemetery on someone's grave. I think it would be against the law to leave fruit etc. They'll hardly let you leave flowers anymore.

Answer 8

I keep a few things in my kit, small bottles of different types of booze like Gin, Whiskey, Scotch, Vodka.  Tobacco to burn.  Others will sometimes bring food to investigations.  Seems to work well on special days like Christmas and New Years.  Haven't got a clue why it works, I think spirits just like to party.  I also think they like it when you talk to them like any other person.  Spreading some coins around works too. I always have a pocket full of change to lay out for them.

Answer 9

Offerings are made  during sabbats and esbats  or whenever you feel it is appropriate  I personally feel that it is rude to not make offerings on a regular basis I usually offer whatever is  appropriate to the particular occasion   whenever  ritual  ends  we  usually take the offerings and place them in a small glade at the back of my yard or a similar place if we are out in the woods  I would  mention that the most appropriate  offerings are ones of  time or commitment  such as volunteering for a charitable cause  or getting  involved in clean up activities or even taking time to pick up some garbage  and pack it out when you hike or even walk in the park  I believe such offerings are the most rewarding   The earth and its creatures  are wonderful and precious gifts and anything we do as humans pales in comparison  to the  many  blessings  the lord  and lady  have given us   By the way the para normal has nothing whatsoever to do with it   Blessings to you and yours