Special-occasion foods are deeply tied to tradition and symbolism; they are edible links to our heritage, writes PAUL DORIN.

While we could enjoy them anytime, certain foods are reserved specifically for celebrations. 

In Australia, Australia Day is synonymous with lamb and barbecues; Anzac Day is marked by the iconic Anzac biscuit; Easter brings hot cross buns and seafood; birthdays call for cake and party snacks; Fun Friday often means takeout; and Christmas Day centres around turkey, plum pudding, and pavlova with Boxing Day devoted to enjoying the leftovers.

On Australia Day, the smell of a barbecue is the scent of good times and good company. Lamb is strongly associated with Australia Day largely due to Meat & Livestock Australia’s iconic and humorous advertising campaigns, which positioned lamb as the “national meat” of Australia Day barbecues.

Anzac biscuits are eaten to commemorate Australian and NZ soldiers from World War I, honouring their service and sacrifice. The biscuits were sent in care packages because their non-perishable ingredients (oats, flour, and syrup) survived the long sea journey. Originally known as Soldier Biscuits, they were later renamed Anzac Biscuits after the Gallipoli landing.

In the Christian tradition, Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. To honour this sacrifice, Christians have traditionally abstained from eating meat on this day, a practice followed for centuries, with fish served instead. 

A modern Boxing Day tradition has emerged: the appearance of the Easter treat, hot cross buns, on Australian supermarket shelves! Is it too early? Perhaps. But if you love them, the answer is a firm no.

In the Christian tradition, the making and eating of buns marked with a cross after breaking the fast on Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The cross symbolises the crucifixion and the bun itself was traditionally a special treat marking the end of Lent.

The best thing about Fun Friday takeaway is that it signals the start of the weekend. By eliminating cooking and chores, it provides comfort, convenience, and a chance to unwind whether it’s pizza, kebabs, burgers, Indian, Thai or Chinese. 

The modern birthday cake tradition began in the 18th century. This celebratory treat represents the sweetness of life, and blowing out the candles gives you the chance to make a wish for the year ahead.

Alongside this, there are some superstitions and a “penalty” tradition, one was cutting the cake if the knife came out with cake still stuck to it, it was considered bad luck usually followed by the added horror of having to kiss the nearest boy or girl.

The other was hitting the bottom of the cake plate with the knife. It was said to mean the birthday wish wouldn’t come true, or worse misfortune might follow. I had an aunt whose blood pressure would visibly rise if the knife even looked like it was getting too close to the bottom of the cake. She would scream warnings from across the room, treating the cake base like a highly sensitive danger zone

The Australian Christmas menu is wonderfully diverse, with each family blending tradition with practical, summery choices. Think glazed ham, roasted chicken or turkey, and roasted vegetables, alongside lighter, summer-friendly options such as prawns and salads, all reflecting the reality of a warm December Christmas.

Ultimately, these foods are more than just what’s on the plate. They carry stories, beliefs, memories, and a sense of belonging, turning ordinary meals into meaningful moments.

Whether it’s lamb on the barbecue, hot cross buns appearing far too early or a birthday cake cut under intense supervision, these traditions remind us that food is how we celebrate life, mark time, and connect with one another truly celebrating life, one bite at a time.

Paul Dorin is the CityNews cartoonist.