Itadakimasu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Origin | Japanese: いただきます |
|---|---|
| Context | traditionally said prior to eating a meal as a way of expressing gratitude |
| Meaning | 'to humbly receive' |
Itadakimasu (Japanese: いただきます; IPA: [itadakimaꜜsɯ̥]) is a Japanese phrase that translates 'to humbly receive'. Often said before eating a meal, the phrase is used as a way of showing gratitude and respect for everyone and everything that made the meal in front of you possible. It is meant to honor all: from the natural elements that supplied the ingredients, the people who grew the produce, to the ones who prepared and cooked the meal, etc.[1]
The term compounds the Japanese verb itadaku (いただく; 'to receive'/'to accept') and the suffix -masu (ます), added to the end of verbs to make sentences polite.
The term Itadakimasu can be traced back to ancient Japan's Asuka period when Buddhism was the dominant religion in the region.[1] In contrast to western religions, which have a hierarchy (God > people > animals > etc.), eastern religion, specifically Buddhism, views all on an equal level, and as a result, uses Itadakimasu as a symbolistic phrase to share their respect and honor.[1][2]
Popularization
Despite the great amount of history on this word, the earliest piece of documentation surrounding the word itadakimasu is from 1812, in a book called Kōkō Michibiki Gusa.[1] In this etiquette rule book, there reads a passage: "箸取らば、天地御代の御恵み、主君や親の御恩あぢわゑ", which translates to "When taking up my chopsticks, I shall savor the blessings of heaven, earth, and this peaceful reign, as well as the kindness of my master and my parents".[1] To summarize, the text implies that before eating, you should take a moment to honor and appreciate what you have; all nature, animals, the emperor, and your parents. When the book was released to the public (popularized during the Shōwa period), the habit of saying itadakimasu before meals was heavily encouraged by the Jōdo-Shinshū sect of Buddhism, slowly leading to the integration of the phrase into daily life and the cultural prominence it has today.
