A FAMILY DINNER RITUAL

By: Melanie IrincoDr. Leanna WolfeAnthropology 102February 2, 2009

My mother prepares dinner by cooking various Filipino foods that her and my father love so much. Here she is cooking a type of soup they call “Tinola.” Also, my parents always buy fast food to go along with their dinner because I usually don’t like the food they eat.

Cooking Time

Rocky is my family’s beloved dog and my parents only son. Rocky eats with my parents because he cries constantly when they eat in hopes for more food. My parents love Rocky because he protects us, our home, and is just beyond hyper for his age.

Here Comes Rocky

My father helps set the table with the food he desires to eat and a plate for my mother. Since, my mother cooked dinner that night he decided to be a gentlemen and get a plate for her. Rocky is relaxing in the hallway waiting for my parents to sit down.

Setting the Table

My mother brings the rest of the food to the dinner table. Steam from the hot food can be seen in the picture. All the food must be cooked or heated up by the microwave. They don’t like to eat anything cold, unless it’s dessert.

Food

My parents finally dig in to eat fried chicken from Dinah’s, mash potatoes and gravy, rice, macaroni salad, and Tinola. They like to eat and talk about their day. They tell stories of what happened or even discuss concerns they have and try to make solutions at the dinner table.

Finally Time to Eat

My mother likes to drink hot water with her dinner. She asks my dad to pour her boiling water because her hands has become bad from arthritis. Of course, he agrees to help my mother pour water.

Thirsty

Rocky patiently waits for food in a sitting position because he knows he can get food this way from my parents. Another way my parents give treats to Rocky is when he cries too much for food. However, my parents are trying to have a quiet or enjoyable dinner.

Patiently Waiting

My dad is the one who gives doggy treats to Rocky. He tells him to either sit or, in this case, down for a treat. Even though my dog cries so much for food, which can be very annoying, my parents still love my dog. They love to spend time with him in the family room.

Down Boy

After dinner, my mom cleans up the table and wash some dishes. She usually leaves the rest for my dad to do. My mom likes to complain that we don’t help wash the dishes, but we always do from time to time.

Washing Dishes

My father and Rocky like to relax in the family room after dinner. They like to watch TV and play ball. However, often times they fall asleep, which can be seen in this picture.

We Need a Nap

The End!