With so much cultural importance attached to eating, it is no wonder that food to a large extent is what holds a society together. For example, the rice that is fundamental to the existence of the Malays of Southeast Asia is believed to possess an essential life force; so the ceremonials that mark every stage of life—from birth through coming of age, marriage, and death—involves a symbolic meal of rice. For a Malay, rice is synonymous with food, and its presence is what distinguishes a meal. The Malays' first food of the day, at what North Americans and Europeans think of as the breakfast meal, usually consists of a sort of cake and coffee. Malays regard this as a snack rather than as a meal, simply because no rice is eaten. People in modern societies as well have notions about what is appropriate food for each meal. A typical North American breakfast consists of fruit, cereal, and a milk product—but strawberry shortcake, which includes all three, is. considered inappropriate....