Cocoa
In the 1900s, cocoa and chocolate went beyond the stores and kitchen to become part of the world exploration. Several explorers such as Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton took British cocoa with them during expeditions. Over time, chocolate has drastically changed in terms of its preparation style, taste, and people consuming it. Chocolate is no longer a food for the elite with its variability allowing it to be accessible to most. Chocolate has gone through many stages in its evolution process but always served as a political, social, and economic symbol.
Cocoa was designated to be an exotic import for centuries during the Pre-Mayan, Mayan, Aztecs, and the colonial civilization periods. However, it thrived in both South America and North America, which made it a symbol of wealth for many years. The noble, wealthy, and powerful associated themselves with the crop at the time, which helped cocoa stay as a commercial crop to date.
The first evidence of cocoa as a symbol of wealth dates back in 1800 BC in the Olmec Empire. Cocoa was seen as the “food for the gods” The Olemec’s used very delicate pottery called Barra to hold and drink chocolate. The exquisite and innovative vessel was associated with the elite at the time.
As the art of building vessels expanded, the Olmec’s developed skills and knowledge to expand its prestige. Symbols of cocoa appeared on the vessels and recipes exclusively use and consumption by the nobles and kings. Besides, cocoa was used by the Mayan nobility in their special feasts and celebration to symbolize wealth. Bishop Land mentions that “cocoa was the primary requirement for a noble feast and that the hosts of the feast were obliged to present the guest with gifts of vases or cups” The feasts with the abundance of cocoa gave the nobles a high societal status.
Additionally, vessels used to hold and drink cocoa were found in the tombs of the elites. Cocoa was believed to be a supreme offering that eased the passage of the elites to the underworld. The intricate painting and designs of cocoa on these vessels show that the Mayan held cocoa in very high regard.
Much evidence in Maya’s history points to the preparation of the cocoa drink, which was a prestigious matter. Government elites and nobles are seen to consume a foamy drink. One of the glories of chocolate drinking in Maya was the foamy cocoa and foamy topping. The form defined the quality served hence increasing its value and social status of the host. In other words, the foam represented the taste preference for the elites and also its symbolism to wealth.
Additionally, nobility used foamy drinks for celebrations, particularly in marriage ceremonies. During marriage ceremonies within the elites and upper classes, chocolate was offered to the prospective bride by the bride. The chocolate drink was a symbol to assure the bride’s parents of wealth and prosperity. Also, the merchants held large banquets where they offered the elite chocolate drink as a way to showcase their wealth. It was customary in the Mayan tradition to hold a lavish feast to maintain a relationship of nobility.
Chocolate became a symbol of aristocracy upon its introduction in Europe. Initially, it was used as an elite drink among the copper-skinned and feathered Mesoamericans and maintained its status for the white-skinned, overdressed nobility of Europe.
Chocolate is used as a symbol of love. It is often associated with valentine day. The history of chocolate-love connection can be traced from the time of Ancient Aztecs and Mayans. The ruler of Aztecs in the 16th, Montezuma once noticed that chocolate enhanced his ability to attract women. It is rumored that he once drank three gallons of chocolate to increase his libido. It is such claims that connect chocolate as a perfect present on Valentine’s Day.
Additionally, a heart-shaped chocolate box symbolizes love and romance. It is often seen as an essential tool for Valentine’s Day. The 14th day of February became popular in the 19th century as the day when people showed affection to their partners. Chocolate gained a reputation for aphrodisiac powers upon its arrival in Europe. It moved from Britain to Spain and then Italy and Spain. Chocolate was embraced with equal measures beyond every border as it never lost its reputation as a sexual stimulant.
The ultimate connection of chocolate to Valentine’s Day came in 1861 when Cadbury launched fancy boxes of chocolates. Cadbury Company made boxes with the shape of a heart to symbolize love on Valentine’s Day. The heart boxed chocolate was soon to become a global sensation, with over 40 million boxes sold that year alone in the United States. Today, 69% of American prefers chocolate as the ultimate symbol of a lover over flowers.
Chocolate was used as a sign of diplomacy post World War 2. Initially, chocolate was ironically used to power the troops during World War 2. One of the most celebrated feats of World War 2 was the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944. Over 160,000 troops stormed the Normandy beach, and they were powered by the Hershey’s chocolate bars.
The army had ordered Hershey Company to make chocolate bars designed for emergency rations. They gave their prescription for the final D ratio bars, which provided the troops with 600 calories per serving. In addition to the D-ration, the forces received the K ration bars whose ingredients pepped the troops and provided a quick burst of energy. Chocolate provided a morale boost during the war, where the resources were limited.
After World War 2, the diplomatic relations between countries were strained. Germany was divided into two parts the western and eastern regions. The West was allied to Britain, France, and the United States. On the other hand Soviet Union controlled the East. Tension grew between the Soviet and all the West Germany allies. Soon all the roads were blocked cutting any supplies to the West. However, the allies continued their supplies to the West via the airlifts.
Gail Halvorsen, an Airlift pilot, noticed that the idea of candy excited the children from the east. Although there was a strained relationship between the West and East, the pilot vowed to do more and make a diplomatic gesture. Chocolate and candy became the mending power between the two sides in the case of Operation Little Vittles. It was too effective that it nearly provided a solution overnight. Halvorsen became the symbol of American goodwill and the face of the Berlin Airlift. It is evident that by giving candy and chocolate to the kids, it eased the tension between Germany and the United States, making a move diplomatic and political.
In conclusion, cocoa and chocolate have evolved. It helped signify the power and status of the elite in the Mayan culture. As the crop was introduced into the rest of the world, it changed the way it was consumed and made it accessible to everybody. Chocolate is now used as a symbol of love and, more importantly, as the ultimate gift on Valentine’s Day. Its early significance helped shape its place in today’s history.