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   Introduction: Eating and Using Chocolate The Symbolism of Cacao and ChocolateChocolate is more than just a food. Its rarity and richness have secured it a special status in history. For hundreds of years and in many different cultures, the act of eating chocolate has taken on symbolic significance. Chocolate has been linked to power, religion, and romance—especially when chocolate was considered an expensive and rare luxury. A symbol of devotion. At sacred altars, Aztec priests presented cacao seeds as offerings to their deities. Drinking chocolate was often a part of special religious events. And only elite members of society—merchants, soldiers, priests, and rulers—were allowed to consume such a sacred and powerful drink.  A symbol of power.In the Aztec culture, only high-ranking figures were deemed worthy of drinking chocolate. And when the Spanish first brought the beverage home, the custom remained the same. The rare and expensive import was a status symbol fit for (and affordable to) only elite members of society. Although relatively inexpensive today, chocolate's richness still symbolically represents luxury. A symbol of love. Chocolate’s allure as an aphrodisiac is legendary. The Aztec ruler Montezuma II is said to have drunk an extra cup of chocolate before consorting with favored ladies. Even today, chocolate remains a popular Valentine’s Day gift. Continue to Chocolate as a Cure |
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