Since a long time ago rice has been intricately interwoven with culture, food and economy in many countries. The Kachins of Northern Myanmar (Burma) are said to have been sent forth from the Earth’s center and given rice seeds, then guided to a beautiful country of perfection where rice grew well. Rice is also part of the myth of creation.
In Bali, many believe Lord Vishnu caused the Earth to give birth to rice and Lord Indra taught the people how to cultivate it. Both stories show how rice is a gift of God and is considered sacred. Rice is used very reverently in important rituals of marriage and birth. Until recently, rice grains were always thrown at newly weds to wish them good luck and prosperity.
When Filipinos would move to a new house, they would always bring into their homes first their Deities, then followed by a sack of rice to signify that the new house would always be filled with God’s protection and abundance in food.
Rice is used very reverently in important rituals of marriage and birth …
